Weeks before the Olympic Games had started, the Boomers were talking a big game about podium finishes and gold medals. Naturally, many dismissed the comments as hyped-up hyperbole. The coach of their pre-Olympic opponent – a team of NCAA ballers – was frank about the Boomers’ chances in Rio.
"It will be difficult for them … The United States team is awfully good, they are a little weakened with a few players who have elected not to play but they are still awfully good”
It was a veiled – and timely – ‘check yourself before you wreck yourself’ quote.
Only two games into their Olympic campaign though, the Boomers have backed up their talk with two very impressive wins. Going into the tournament, Australia was ranked 11th in FIBA rankings. Their opponents thus far in the pool games have been France (5th ranked) and, on Tuesday morning, sixth-ranked Serbia.
The two scalps have Australia almost certain to proceed to the next round of the Olympic competition.
The 95-80 win over Serbia came on the heels of some serious play from their NBA guards, Patty Mills and Dellavedova. While Mills lead the team with 26 points, it was Delly the GOAT who really performed. His 23 points came from some lights-out shooting (7-8 FG including 3-3 from behind the arc). Equally as impressive were his 2 steals and 13 assists – with zero turnovers.
It was close to a perfect game from Delly, who was well-supported in the front court by starts Andrew Bogut, Joe Ingles and Aaron Baynes.
The Boomers’ biggest test is up next, as they take on the US on Thursday.
