Despite Josh Giddey’s heroics, Australia couldn’t overcome a sluggish start in a 91-80 loss to Luka Doncic and Slovenia. The loss eliminates the Boomers from qualifying for the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals.
Slovenia started hot, outscoring Australia 28-18 in the first quarter. The middle quarters were a wash, and Australia cut Slovenia’s lead to four points entering the final frame. A 25-18 fourth-quarter scoring advantage for the latter sealed the outcome.
Buy Thunder TicketsIn an elimination game, Giddey continued to live up to his reputation. In 27 minutes, he finished with 25 points on 11-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds and four assists. He went 4-of-5 from the free-throw line and committed six turnovers.
This included a personal 11-0 run by Giddey for Australia that featured several bumpy and physical drives to the basket. A strong second half helped the 20-year-old turn in a masterful performance once again as he established himself as one of the best players during this tournament and outplayed Doncic, who had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Jack White didn’t enter the game until it was essentially over. In two minutes, he grabbed a rebound.
The Boomers conclude their FIBA World Cup run by playing Georgia in their final second-round group game on Sunday, Sept. 3 in hopes of improving their 2-2 record.
Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Australia’s critical loss.
Andrew Gaze is saying on the broadcast that Josh Giddey will guard Luka Doncic 😳😳
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
This is going to be such great hoops. Luka Doncic is already making plays, love the matchup of him vs. Josh Green. Josh Giddey, Patty Mills, Jack White, etc. Let's have a morning.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 1, 2023
Giddey looking quick off the catch & the sweet hook 🪄
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
Really nice drive by Gidd there
Beat his man with a quick first step, knifes in the lane with his left, and finishes with the runner on his right
Then next possession, spins off contact and is the righty floater
That floater is floating today 😮💨
— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) September 1, 2023
A perfect start from Josh Giddey. Really good at attacking the rim, some nice closeouts, that trap of Doncic, really good stuff in what I think is the biggest game of his career to this point
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 1, 2023
Slovenia goes up 28-17 with 1:57 left in the 1st, Giddey subbed out at the 5 minute mark and Australia has looked out of sorts on offense since then
Gotta think Gidd is back in after this timeout
— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) September 1, 2023
End of 1Q: Slovenia 28, Australia 18
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
Giddey finds Mills in the tight window
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
HALF: Slovenia 49, Australia 40
Giddey – 7 points on 3/7 shooting, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
A pretty bad half for Australia in a do or all game
Down 9 to Slovenia
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
Giddey with the slow-mo spin move for the layup despite several players inside of the paint lmao
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
This is some of Josh Giddey’s best work at the rim.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 1, 2023
6 straight off of drives for Giddey
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
Josh Giddey has completely take this game over the last few minutes.
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) September 1, 2023
Giddey is single-handily keeping Australia in this with 9 consecutive points all off of drives
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
End of 3Q: Slovenia 66, Australia 62
Giddey – 20 points on 9/14 shooting, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
Josh Giddey has scored 9 straight points to single-handedly get Australia back in this game vs Luka Doncic and Slovenia.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) September 1, 2023
GIDDEY AGAIN
5 STRAIGHT BUCKETS
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
5-0 run by Slovenia to push their lead back out to 9
Giddey had been dominating to get the Boomers back in this one. Luka coming back in after the timeout
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) September 1, 2023
Luka Doncic with an EMPHATIC block, then Slovenia works the ball around for a made 3-pointer. Doncic then records a steal, and Slovenia hits a pull-up 3. Slovenia now has a game-high 15-point lead with 3:37 remaining in regulation.
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) September 1, 2023
Australia is essentially eliminated with this loss
They’ll play their final game against Spain on Sunday
An extremely disappointing result for a very hopeful Boomer campaign
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
Josh Giddey against Slovenia in a do-or-die game
25 points
8 rebounds
4 assists
2 steals
11/18 FGA
3/5 FTAHad some really good stretches, but not enough to keep Australia’s run alive. pic.twitter.com/3S32y4arUw
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
FINAL: Slovenia 91, Australia 80
Giddey – 24 points on 11/18 shooting, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
White – 1 rebound
Australia is eliminated from qualifying for the FIBA WC quarterfinals
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 1, 2023
I think Josh Giddey has the FIBA’s rising star award on lock
Was #1 on the power rankings before tonight games & another strong performance should have secured it for him.
A disappointing team result, but a fun tournament for Josh with a game to go.
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 1, 2023
