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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Clemente Almanza

2023 FIBA World Cup: Australia advances to second round with 109-89 win vs. Japan

Josh Giddey Australia Japan Fiba Clemente Almanza Jack White Boomers Thunder

Pulling up from deep, Josh Giddey hit the dagger 3 to nip Japan’s comeback attempt in the bud.

It highlighted a monster fourth quarter by the 20-year-old as he stopped Australia’s bleeding in a 109-89 win over Japan. The Boomers finish group play with a 2-1 record.

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Giddey continues to build on his elimination game mythos with his best FIBA performance yet. In 31 minutes, he finished with 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting, 11 assists and five rebounds. This included 10 fourth-quarter points to finalize Australia’s advancement to the second round.

After dominating the first half with a 57-35 lead, Australia started to show leakage in the second half as Japan mounted a comeback attempt from its 27-point deficit.

After failing to reach the 20-point mark in the opening two quarters, Japan was an offensive machine in the third quarter with 35 points to cut Australia’s lead to 17 points entering the final frame.

Alas, Australia — specifically Giddey — did just enough in the fourth quarter to avoid any unnecessary stress of an upset loss.

Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Jack White only played the last minute of the game in garbage time as he had two points on 1-of-1 shooting and one rebound.

Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Australia’s 20-point win over Japan.

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