Boomers coach Brian Goorjian reveals what drove Patty Mills to huge role in historic bronze medal win in Tokyo

The outpouring of emotion from the Boomers after winning a first Olympic medal came after a significant pre-game moment in Tokyo.

Olympic hero Patty Mills declared he wanted to put the Boomers on his shoulders and carry them to a first-ever medal in Tokyo after s shattering semi-final loss to Team USA.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has revealed that in the wake of the loss, which sent the Australians into a bronze medal showdown with Slovenia, Mills and fellow veteran Joe Ingles said “put the ball in our hands”.

Mills proved the difference in the match, powering to 42 points and finishing with nine assists from a massive 38 minutes on the court as Australia secured its first men’s basketball medal.

Ingles was equally important, playing 35 minutes and scoring 16 points in the victory, which was followed by a massive outpouring of emotion.

Goorjian revealed team leaders Mills and Ingles came to him after the loss to Team USA and demanded to be given the responsibility of carrying such a massive load.

Joe Ingles and Patty Mills embrace after the Boomers beat Slovenia. Picture: Aris Messinis / AFP

“After the USA game there was a meeting and it was basically driven by the coaching staff on-board, but Patty and Joe Ingles (said) ‘put the ball in our hands here and let’s get Matisse (Thybulle) on Luka (Doncic) and I can go 40 (minutes). Don’t worry about rest, this is it’.

“It was something that was discussed and his performance, the ball being put in his (Mills’) hands and also Joe, it was discussed prior to the game and there was a determination in there from the opening tip that he was going to get to the spots a la Kevin Durant in the game prior against us.

“That’s our guy. He’s going to get the ball into spots and he’s either going to make a play or get the ball to the right person that can make his play, and along with those 42 points was nine assists. That’s another 18 points.

“What he did was an epic performance of any Australian in any sport, and the fact that he carried the flag, all that came with that, representing the Aboriginal community, bringing all of our cultures together. There’s a tremendous responsibility. That meant a lot to him.”

Patty Mills scored 42 points in the bronze medal game. Picture: Gregory Shamus/ Pool / AFP

Goorjian said while he played his strongest role for the tournament ahead of the bronze-medal game, Mills drove the passion.

“This guy was on a mission. I just sat back and steered the energy into the areas I wanted it and it was just an epic performance and (I) enjoyed it and it goes down in history,” Goorjian told SEN.

“I don’t think anyone has played in a medal-round game and scored more than he has in Olympic history.

“It’s not just scoring points and accumulating points, it’s in the most important game in Australian basketball history and he’s done better than anyone else ever in the world.”

Goorjian said the team handled the loss to the US, which ended the Boomers’ hopes of a gold or silver medal, better than any other team could have.

“There’s a special place you have to go after you get kicked in the teeth and nobody does it better than an Aussie,” he said.

“I think the staff, myself, the players handled that like no other team.”

Originally published as Boomers coach Brian Goorjian reveals what drove Patty Mills to huge role in historic bronze medal win in Tokyo