FIBA World Cup 2023: Patty Mills, Josh Giddey star as Australia wins opening game against Finland
Joe Ingles was left bloodied and bruised after Australia’s World Cup opener against Finland - and he is demanding answers.
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A masterclass Patty Mills shooting display and a near triple-double from Josh Giddey on debut has helped the small ball Boomers pass their first big test with a come-from-behind 98-72 victory over Finland in their World Cup opener.
Mills, by his own admission, struggled during Australia’s preparation for the Cup.
The NBA champion shot 6-34 from three-point range in the Boomers’ first four warm-up games, but he responded against Finland.
The Rose Gold Tokyo Olympic hero finished with a game-high 25 points, although he still battled from range, shooting just two of eight.
Mills had four points in the first quarter and even produced an air-ball in the second quarter.
As he has always done throughout his stellar career, though, Mills found a way to hang tough and deliver when it matters most.
Bronze medal winning teammate Joe Ingles praised the guard’s return to form post-game.
Ingles always knew Mills would find his groove, despite some doubts from outside the Boomers camp.
“Did everyone know he would respond?,” Ingles pondered post-game about Mills.
“We knew he would, but I don’t know that everyone thought he would.
“I mean, it’s what he does.
“I think after not playing that stretch in the NBA (with Brooklyn), it’s different playing a lot of minutes and that is a different role that he has had.
“We’ve seen the behind the scenes work that a lot of people don’t see.”
Giddey was expected to star for the Boomers – and he didn’t disappoint – dropping 14 points, eight assists and nine rebounds in a classy Cup debut.
The OKC Thunder star showcased composure on the big stage far beyond his 20 years.
Giddey credited a crucial Brian Goorjian timeout in the second quarter when the Australians trailed by eight as a key to victory.
“Credit to Finland, they came out ready to play, more than we did,” Giddey said.
“But Goorj called a timeout midway through the second and that’s when the tide really turned.
“We picked it up defensively, took care of the ball a bit better and we went on that run.”
Finland star Lauri Markkanen, who Boomers coach Brian Goorjian described as the “head of the dog”, had 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Markkanen was still dangerous, but the Australians did a magnificent defensive job on the Utah Jazz superstar.
Boomers bench forward Jack White deserves special praise for his ability to lockdown the reigning NBA Most Improved Player.
The Boomers face world No.11 Germany in their second World Cup game on Sunday from 6.30pm (AEST).
INGLES CALLS FOR SLIPPERY SURFACE TO BE FIXED
Boomers NBA star Ingles is far from happy with the slippery surface at Okinawa Arena, pleading with officials to “figure it out”.
The veteran forward, who put up 13 points on the night, slipped on a wet patch in the opening stages of the second quarter and hurt his right elbow.
A clearly aggrieved Ingles, who had blood gushing from his elbow, appeared to yell at a FIBA official on the bench about the slippery surface.
He had his arm bandaged up, but returned to the game.
Speaking post-game, Ingles called for FIBA officials to fix the slippery surface for the sake of all the players competing at the World Cup.
“I wasn’t just thinking about me- it was their (Finland’s) team as well,” said Ingles, who confirmed he will apologise to the official who he verbally sprayed after slipping on the court.
“I mean, it’s frustrating.
“You give up a lot and we’re all here to play for our countries and put it all out there and you’re slipping all over the floor.
“I slipped a couple of times, Markkanen slipped a couple of times.
“For me, it’s just a safety thing.
“I busted my elbow and at the end of the day it’s the safety of the players. You guys want to watch the best players play, so whoever is in charge of that needs to figure it out.”
Ingles also went down late in the first quarter after copping a heavy hit while attempting to guard Finland forward Elias Valtonen.
He looked hampered and laid on the floor for a minute, but thankfully he recovered to finish the quarter.
Boomers forward Xavier Cooks was also seen having words with a floor sweeper just before halftime.
OVERCOMING SMALL BALL CHALLENGE
The Boomers started with Duop Reath and Nick Kay in an attempt to boost the team’s lack of size following Jock Landale’s tournament ending ankle injury.
Matisse Thybulle joined backcourt duo Mills and Giddey as Australia’s other starters.
Finland went after the Boomers’ smaller lineup from the onset, with Markkanen and co attacking the paint with aggression.
The Europeans also nailed their threes, shooting 43 per cent of their shots in the first quarter to lead 21-17 after the first frame.
The Boomers looked rattled, but they refused to surrender, surging back into the contest late in the second quarter thanks to a 17-4 run to take a 45-40 lead into the halftime break.
Australia maintained the rage in the third quarter to open up a 12-point advantage.
EXUM AND COOKS THE X-FACTORS
Dante Exum and Xavier Cooks proved to be the X-factor for the Boomers.
Exum, the recently signed Dallas Mavericks star, owned the opening stages of the third quarter.
He had eight points and three assists alone in the third to finish with 10 points. Exum proved his value as the second unit conductor behind Giddey.
Cooks was also immense for the Boomers, with nine points, two steals and one block.
The former Sydney King turned Washington Wizard was a beast on the defensive end while he also made his mark during the third quarter.
Cooks produced a devastating dunk, which was his trademark during his consecutive NBL championships with the Kings.
MATCH RECAP: ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENED
FULL TIME: AUS 98-72 FIN
Book it. The Boomers have kicked off their FIBA World Cup campaign with a come-from-behind blowout win over Finland.
Built on the back of an aggressive, stifling defensive display, Australia fought back from an eight-point deficit, throttling Finland at the defensive end and then finding their feet on offence in a 98-72 win.
A brilliant bounce-back from Patty Mills (25 points), a triple-double alert from Josh Giddey and a vintage effort from Joe Ingles (13 points) caught the eye.
Giddey had 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on his World Cup debut as the Aussies annihilated the Fins in the second half to run out 26-point winners.
ANGRY JOE’S BLOODY SLIP
It’s been a night of good and bad for Joe Ingles.
The veteran has hit the deck a couple of times and he’s tweaked his ankle.
The announcer at the court in Okinawa is also having some dramas with his name, continually calling him ‘Josh Inglis’ as he hit a trio of three pointers on his way to 12 points for the Aussies. He must be a cricket fan.
Boomers NBA star Joe Ingles was far from happy with the slippery surface at Okinawa Arena.
The veteran forward slipped on a wet patch in the opening stages of the second quarter and hurt his right elbow.
A clearly aggrieved Ingles, who had blood gushing from his elbow, appeared to yell at a FIBA official on the bench about the slippery surface.
He had his arm bandaged up, but returned to the game.
Ingles also went down late in the first quarter after copping a heavy hit while attempting to guard Finland forward Elias Valtonen. He looked hampered and laid on the floor for a minute, but thankfully he recovered to finish the quarter.
Boomers forward Xavier Cooks was also seen having words with a floorsweeper just before halftime.
3QT: AUS 54-70 FIN
That’s Boomers basketball. The Aussies absolutely throttled the Fins on defence, producing a 25-14 third quarter that should be enough to give them a matchwinning lead. Patty Mills leads the way with 16, Joe Ingles has 13 and Dante Exum and Josh Giddey have 10 each. Markkanen has 17 for the Fins but he’s been well-held since halftime.
Q3, 3.05: AUS 61-50 FIN
It’s been all Australia in the third, extending their five-point halftime lead to double digits. Dante Exum has been brilliant, the Aussies losing nothing when he comes in for Josh Giddey, who is on triple double watch with 10-7-5. Finland only has 10 points for the quarter. The defence is dialled up to nuclear.
HT: AUS 45-40 FIN
Patty Mills’ shooting struggles in the lead up to the World Cup had some fearing for his Boomers’ future. Not Patty. The Aussie legend leads the Boomers at halftime with 12 points, while Josh Giddey has poured in 10 in the second quarter alone. Mills’ veteran co-captain Joe Ingles has shaken off an injured elbow to produce a trio of three-pointers for 11 points as the Boomers produced a 17-4 run that turned an eight-point deficit into a five-point lead at the long break. Xavier Cooks has been a huge problem for Finland on defence and Lauri Markkanen has met his worst nightmare in athletic freak Jack White, who has made life so tough for the NBA All Star. It’s the Aussies’ for the taking, now.
Q2, 3.02: AUS 35-38 FIN
Patty’s banged a corner three, another midranger and then a beautiful and-1 finger roll through contact after a Giddey feed that has energised the Aussies. He’s up to 12 and is the game-high scorer and really growing in confidence. Huge for the Aussies.
Q2, 7.41: TIMEOUT — AUS 23-27 FIN
Green fouled Markkanen at halfcourt and he went down holding his left knee. Looked like he and Green knocked knees. The Utah Jazz gun is OK and he’s been a big problem for the Boomers, leading all scorers with nine. It came moments after Joe Ingles — who leads the Boomers with six — hit a three, then slipped to the floor and was subbed out with an injured elbow. Lots of blood and he’s had to be patched up. Goorj is pulling no punches — he’s not happy with the defensive end: “We’re in trouble if you don’t get stops. You’re not getting any stops. Lay-ups, switches, stops, the fight is right now, don’t let them get away. Play defence!”
QUARTER TIME: AUS 17-21 FIN
Josh Green has not played — he hurt his ankle in the game against France last Sunday and was said to be OK, but did not check into the game in the first. Scrappy but enjoyable start to the World Cup for the Boomers. The Aussies have scrambled hard on defence, they’re switching everything and making life as hard as they can. But the shooting at the other end, just as it was in the lead up, has been a problem. The Boomers are 5-14 from the field and they’re only 1-6 from deep. Get that a bit closer to 45 and 35 per cent and they’re right there. Joe Ingles hit the deck hard, smacking his head on the court and staying down for a little while, but he appears OK. Finland’s defensive physicality has also been impressive, they’re right on the edge and it’s having an effect on the Aussies.
Q1, 2.28: AUS 17-14 FIN
Really, really good signs from Mills who managed four of the Boomers’ first six points, including a nothing-but-net midranger that opened the scoring, which was classic Patty — he’s also shot an airball, so it’s been a mixed bag. The shooting woes in the warm ups have been well documented — he was 25 per cent from the field across four games.
Joe Ingles checked in and was immediately found by Patty for a three and Xavier Cooks’ energy has been fantastic. The reigning NBL MVP has kept a number of balls alive and he’s rolled well and cleaned up on the glass for four points.
5:54PM 98-72 STARTING FIVE
The Boomers will kick things off with:
Josh Giddey
Patty Mills
Matisse Thybulle
Nick Kay
Duop Reath
Goorjian has previously been keen to start Josh Green, preferring to bring Thybulle off the bench but, given he hurt himself on the weekend and did not play on Tuesday, the Boomers coach has opted for a change. The Aussies have been plagued by slow starts in the lead in games, let’s hope they have figured it out.
FINLAND FIRST 5:
Mikael JANTUNEN
Miro LITTLE
Lauri MARKKANEN
Olivier NKAMHOUA
Sasu SALIN
LOGUE: “Boomers star Josh Giddey is a fan favourite with the local Japanese fans. Supporters milled around to film Giddey on their phones as the OKC Thunder guard warmed up. The Boomers received a rousing reception from the locals and the large contingent of Australian fans in Okinawa. It’s fair to say Australia’s NBA contingent are very popular with the local Japanese supporters.”
DEFIANT PATTY SAYS HE’S NOT DONE YET
Patty Mills is determined to pave the way for the next generation Boomers to carry on the program’s revered culture – but he isn’t ready to pass over the torch just yet.
Veterans Mills and Joe Ingles have played integral roles on their watch in maintaining Australia’s respected culture that dates back six decades.
The pair understand the importance of educating World Cup debutants like Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels and Xavier Cooks about what it means to be a Boomer.
Speaking on the eve of Australia’s opening Cup clash against Finland on Friday, Mills declared his desire to leave the program in the hands of emerging guns like Josh Giddey but for now he still has unfinished business.
“To strengthen our team culture within our Boomers squad was something that needed to happen for the longevity of our program,” Mills said heading into a World Cup campaign and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“So, when the day comes when me and Joe (Ingles) finally hang them up – no time soon (grinned) – we’ll know that this program and the legacy of this program is protected and it’s in the hands of the likes of Giddey, Dyson Daniels and Jock Landale.
“It’s important. “There is a lot more meaning and deeper meaning to why we play for Australia now.”
Mills says Australia’s current culture is built on the “past experience” of multiple fourth place finishes at major tournaments.
The pain of failing to “get over the hump” at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 World Cup – for example – has only strengthened the side’s resolve.
Mills is now thrilled to see the next generation – largely NBA players – experiencing the program.
“It’s about what we can do to strengthen the culture so that we have our young guys coming through the program and being high draft picks in the NBA and playing in the NBA,” he said.
“You look at our team now and there are NBA players who didn’t make our final team.
“We’ve risen our quality of individual play to another standard to where this is now our reality.”
Mills has long been Australia’s on-court leader at the forefront of the team’s offence.
His historic 42-point performance to guide the Boomers to bronze at the Tokyo Olympics exemplified his profound influence.
The introduction of Giddey as Australia’s on-court general has shifted Mills’ role.
Asked how he is handling the process of assimilating within a new team structure with new players, the veteran said: “Yeah, reps just like anything.
“It’s a little bit different with Jock (Landale) being out, but the style that we are playing now is confident, fast and athletic.
“The guys that we have in the locker room and on the floor are there to make an impact.
“We’ll get better as we play each game and then it’s all about reps.”
The Boomers face a tough task trying to contain Finland’s NBA sensation Lauri Markkanen in Friday’s Cup opener.
Australian coach Brian Goorjian conceded Markkanen will be a main target, but he won’t be taking the team’s other players lightly.
“The defensive philosophy has always been – go after the head of the dog, and you’ve got to do something there,” Goorjian said.
“We’ll play him (Markkanen) as hard and tough as we possibly can, but respect their perimeter shooters and their other guys on the floor.
“That balance is something that we’ve had an opportunity to work on for two days, but it’s not all about (Markkanen) and forget about (Finland’s) other guys – they’re good.”
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Originally published as FIBA World Cup 2023: Patty Mills, Josh Giddey star as Australia wins opening game against Finland
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