No-call rocks Boomers in shock World Cup defeat to Germany

The Boomers have suffered a big blow in their quest for a first World Cup medal after their second group game in Japan.

Patty Mills (inset) and Josh Giddey. Photos: Getty Images

The Boomers have suffered a huge blow in their quest for a breakthrough medal at the FIBA World Cup in Japan.

Patty Mills and Josh Giddey seemed likely to lead the Australian side to a second straight victory in its match-up with Germany, before a poor final quarter proved costly.

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Two Mills turnovers down the stretch and a no-call on a desperation late three-pointer from Giddey helped Germany pull off an 85-82 triumph.

Mills carried the Aussies early and finished with 21 points, with Giddey chipping in with 17.

But a 30-point night from NBA point guard Dennis Schroder steered the Germans home as they took control of Group E.

Patty Mills is surrounded during Australia’s defeat to Germany. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)

The Australians were furious with the Giddey no-call as time expired, with coach Brian Goorjian screaming “that’s for the game, that’s for the game” to the officials.

But the result stood and Germany now has two wins from as many games, while the Boomers need to beat hosts Japan in their final group game on Tuesday to progress.

Following some poor execution in the dying seconds, the Australians thought Giddey was fouled as he threw up a desperate shot from half-court with 0.1 seconds on the clock.

But there was no whistle as the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists suffered a major blow to their hopes of another podium.

Without seeing a replay yet that seemed like a pretty obvious foul to me??

Lots of mistakes made that game. Makes things a lot harder going forward. #GoBoomers#FIBAWC

— Andrew French (@AFrenchy91) August 27, 2023

Letting Germany go on an 0-8 run to start the game, and then again for 0-10 in the 4th, probably meant we didn't deserve the win, but super frustrating to lose with a no-call when it's a single possession finish. #FIBAWC#GoBoomers#AussieHoops

— Rick Haseman (@RHaseman) August 27, 2023

“There was a little bit of controversy late in the game with Josh Giddey, a prayer to try to send it to overtime,” Boomers great Andrew Gaze said on ESPN.

“It looked like there was a lot of contact, wasn’t called, but taking nothing away from Germany.

“They were the better team on the night and eventually got the reward.

“For Australia now it is all about Japan, they have to play the host in the last game of group play to advance.”

The Australians got off to a very slow start, quickly falling in a 16-5 hole before Mills started bringing them back into the contest.

FIBA PATTY ACTIVATED!

MILLS HAS 13 POINTS IN 5 MINUTES!#FIBAWC#GOBOOMERS#AUSSIEHOOPS#AUSvGER

— Rick Haseman (@RHaseman) August 27, 2023

Is Schroder playing basketball or soccer? Flop harder, mate #GoBoomers#FIBAWC

— Amy Leigo (@MrsLeigo) August 27, 2023

#GoBoomers@joshgiddey fires the pass to @MatisseThybulle for the jam in the first half of the Boomers' critical game against Germany pic.twitter.com/ZAgclKx5O2

— AussieHoopla (@aussiehoopla) August 27, 2023

Boomers' game plan? Feed Patty! 😤 #FIBAWC x #WinForAustraliapic.twitter.com/wuOG0IBh6b

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 27, 2023

The NBA veteran had the team’s first 13 points as Australia eventually trailed by just one at the first break.

Neither team was able to take control of the match, which seesawed back and forth before a cold final quarter from the Aussies proved fatal.

Former NBL coach Trevor Gleeson wasn’t convinced the Giddey call had been a foul.

Josh Giddey (right) had his moments for the Boomers. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)

“I think it might’ve been after the buzzer,” he said on ESPN.

“He might’ve got contact, but I definitely believe it was after the buzzer.

“I’d like to see a slo-mo replay on that.

“Couple of errors down the stretch from Australia.”

If the Boomers do beat Japan, they are still unlikely to top the group and will face a tougher match-up in the next round.

This Australian side is stacked with NBA talent and came into the tournament confident of adding a first World Cup medal to that breakthrough Olympic medal from two years ago.