Today's Australia vs Spain 27 July

Coach Brian Goorjian revealed that he tapped into one of Australia's most agonizing basketball memories for motivation: the 2019 World Cup double overtime loss to Spain. He shared a video of that defeat with his players both before the game and during a timeout in the fourth quarter.

“We showed a brief clip from the past to keep them focused,” Goorjian explained to reporters. “There’s a fear that no matter how well you play or how hard you work, within a three-minute span, they can hit you with quick, successive blows, putting you in a tough spot.

The Boomers rarely appeared to be in significant danger on Saturday, trailing only briefly before securing a 12-point victory late in the game.

Josh Giddey showcased his potential in a more ball-dominant role, thrilling Chicago Bulls fans by scoring 17 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out eight assists.

Although the 21-year-old committed five turnovers, an issue that has persisted through the warm-up games, the Boomers are willing to overlook it for now if he continues playing with such confidence.

Giddey attacked the paint assertively, finding success either by finishing at the rim himself or passing to teammates, as seen when he utilized his size advantage to pass over Lorenzo Brown to a cutting Patty Mills in the second quarter.

Veteran guard Patty Mills consistently made crucial plays to ensure the Boomers' victory, ending the game with 19 points.

Reflecting on the experience, Mills told Channel Nine, “It’s the Olympics, what’s not to love? Being in the trenches with a great group of guys is as good as it gets for me.”

Despite finding himself on the floor, Mills threw himself at the ball to secure an offensive rebound and draw a foul during a crucial moment in the fourth quarter, with the Boomers leading 73-68 after a Jock Landale miss.

Mills not only made several clutch 3-pointers as Spain threatened Australia's lead but also demonstrated his willingness to fight for every possession.

Landale, who had a +30 rating, missed only a few field goal attempts in Saturday's game, scoring a team-high 20 points along with nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal, as his connection with Giddey consistently troubled Spain.

Dyson Daniels was a defensive menace and also contributed three triples, scoring 13 points, while Jack McVeigh shined in his Boomers debut with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Josh Green added his trademark energy and effort on both ends of the court.

Duop Reath was the only Boomer who didn't see any playing time, while Dante Exum missed the game due to a dislocated finger and is expected to be unavailable for Tuesday’s clash with Canada