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.
As the broadcast said, he is a triple-double waiting to happen. Tip-off is closing in now for the Boomers. pic.twitter.com/jTeOuV9k8u
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 25, 2023
Beautiful first play by the Boomers to get Mills a fantastic look but he bobbled the pass (made up for it with a mid range J) I’ve been so impressed with the Boomers opening set plays this entire World cup exhibition slate and now in game one. Love their tempo also.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 25, 2023
Giddey struggled a lot in the first, couldn’t create much separation OTD & just couldn’t get a shot to go
Will be interesting see how he adjusts for the rest of this game
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 25, 2023
End of 1Q: Finland 21, Australia 17
Giddey – 0 points on 0/4 shooting, 2 rebounds
White – 0 points on 0/1 shooting
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
Giddey’s already had a handful of spotting smart simple slips for clean off-ball cuts for Australia. Really great awareness and IQ by the 20-year-old
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
Giddey embracing contact👀 pic.twitter.com/j8Ya0Yuzsj
— 𝓕 🪄 (@Fiizop) August 25, 2023
Great cut by Giddey here
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
Josh Giddey’s floater puts Australia on the high side by 3. They’ve certainly settled in. What a great close to the half. Still 59 seconds until intermission but they’re setting themselves up nicely.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 25, 2023
HALF: Australia 45, Finland 40
Giddey – 10 points on 3/8 shooting, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4/6 FTs
White – 0 points on 0/1 shooting
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
GIDDEY TO A JACK WHITE SLAM
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 25, 2023
Giddey to White 👀
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
End of 3Q: Australia 70, Finland 54
Giddey – 10 points on 3/9 shooting, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4/5 FTs
White – 2 points on 1/2 shooting, 2 rebounds
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
God Lord Josh Giddey is amazing at passing that rock. He is a wizard but not in Washington.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 25, 2023
Giddey’s free throw drawing is on display AGAIN tonight
7 free throw attempts with 8 minutes left in the game.
A wonderful trend after barely getting there in the NBA
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 25, 2023
FINAL: Australia 98, Finland 72
Giddey – 14 points on 4/10 shooting, 9 rebounds, 8 assists
White – 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 25, 2023
I'm just a FIBA admin, standing in front of a head coach, asking him to bring Josh Giddey back into the game, so we can drop the triple double content 🙏#FIBAWC x #WinForAustralia 🇦🇺
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
Josh Giddey in his World-Cup debut
14 points
9 rebounds
8 assists
4/10 FGA
6/7 FTA
1 steal
W over FinlandNear Triple-Double in his debut 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/BzewPe5CCb
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 25, 2023
Josh Giddey made a splash in Okinawa, introducing himself with 14pts, 9reb and 8ast! #FIBAWC x #WinForAustralia 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/Vkua9bMS1E
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
