Australia’s lesser lights step up as Boomers down China 93-68 to improve to 3-1 at Rio Olympics
THE Australian Boomers, minus Andrew Bogut, have cruised to a comfortable win over China and improve to 3-1 in Rio, with an unlikely top scorer as the second unit got minutes.
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THE Boomers have continued their charge towards the Rio Olympic knockout rounds, cruising past China without rested star Andrew Bogut in another encouraging sign for their medal hopes.
Australia backed up from the gallant loss to Team USA with a 93-68 win over 14th-ranked China on Saturday morning (AEST) in their easiest assignment of the group stage so far.
Bogut was ordered by coaching staff to take a well-earned break after impressing in Australia’s opening three games, despite a limited preparation as he recovered from a serious knee injury.
Stars Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills were also used sparingly as second team players including Cam Bairstow (17 points, nine rebounds), Brock Motum (15 points, three rebounds) and Ryan Broekhoff (12 points) stepped up to get the job done.
The Boomers were scratchy early on but always looked in control in the second half as they moved step closer to a top-two finish in Group A. That they were relatively untroubled in an Olympics game without their top player said a lot, according to veteran Joe Ingles.
“It was nice to get Patty and Delly a break and for Boges to sit out,” Ingles said.
“It’s not something that however long ago we would have been able to do.
“We’re always been in long battles and tough games, it’s a nice to be able to use that to save the legs.”
Dellavedova (eight assists) remained a creative spark for Australia, veteran David Andersen (12 points) continued a fine tournament and Aron Baynes was also among the top scorers with 12.
The intensity and offensively fluidity that had been hallmarks of their impressive wins over France and Serbia was missing early, but they took control of the game midway through the second quarter and never looked back.
China’s 212cm forward Yi Jianlian caused Australia the most headaches. The former NBA star had a game-high 20 points but another solid Australian defensive performance ensured China never found their rhythm in attack.
The handy lead allowed Andrej Lemanis to heavily rotate his squad in the second half, with Damian Martin, Kevin Lisch and Chris Goulding all getting game time.
“Today was a good opportunity for us to build as a group,” Lemanjis said.
“To get a good hit-out ... and get some confidence in some of the guys who haven’t played so much, it was good all-round for us today.”
Bogut is likely to return when Australia face 22nd ranked-Venezuela in their final group game on Monday (AEST) with Lemanjis admitting he wasn’t thrilled to be rested.
“No player is ever happy to sit out but he understood for the overall picture and good of the team, it was smart for him to get a little additional rest at this time,” Lemanjis said.
A win against Venezuela will likely secure a second place in the group, ensuring they couldn’t meet the US again until the gold medal match.
“We’re in a good spot,” Lemanjis said.
“Confidence is good, we’re playing some good basketball and we have continued to improve every game.”
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Originally published as Australia’s lesser lights step up as Boomers down China 93-68 to improve to 3-1 at Rio Olympics
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