Overcoming a slow start, Australia enjoyed a blowout win in its first group game against Finland, 98-72. Australia is 1-0 in Group E play.
The Boomers started lethargically and trailed, 21-17, after the first quarter. A 28-19 second-quarter advantage helped shift the tide toward Australia. By the start of the fourth quarter, it was essentially garbage time. Australia entered the final frame with a 16-point lead.
Josh Giddey had a strong FIBA debut for Australia, flirting with a triple-double: 14 points on 4-of-10 shooting, nine rebounds and eight assists in 25 minutes. He continues to make foul shooting a reliable skill by going 6-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Off the bench, Jack White also had a nice showing. In 15 minutes, he had seven points on 3-of-4 shooting and two rebounds. His stats included a pair on assists off dunks by Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Giddey. He had a few impressive defensive possessions on Finland’s Lauri Markkanen, on which the Finn struggled to create space.
Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Australia’s 26-point win over Finland.