Josh Giddey Olympic stats (July 27): How did Australia guard fare against reigning EuroBasket champs?
Australia, led by Josh Giddey, Patty Mills and Jock Landale, opened its 2024 Paris Olympics campaign with a matchup against Spain. The Boomers, the bronze medal winners in Japan three years ago, look to start this tournament with a win versus the EuroBasket champs. Mills is the heart and soul of the Aussies, but they will be heavily counting on Giddey to deliver.
The former OKC Thunder superstar did not disappoint, scattering 11 points in the first quarter on 4-for-4 shooting, including 2-for-2 from deep. Giddey had one assist but ran the show on offense. The Aussies led 31-21 after the first 10 minutes passed.
The Spaniards played much better defensively in the second quarter. They contained Australia's free-flowing offense with more physicality and better rotations. Spain also made Giddey work hard even before he got the ball, forcing the Aussies to adjust.
Josh Giddey finished the first half with 15 points, three assists and three rebounds but committed four turnovers. All of Giddey's errors came in the second quarter when Spain refused to let the Chicago Bulls guard dictate the pace and tempo of the game.
After an impressive start putting up buckets, Giddey couldn't hit anything in the third quarter. He was content to set up his teammates as Spain was determined not to let him score.
The Aussies made adjustments by executing their pick-and-rolls with more force and aggressiveness. Jock Landale and Jack McVeigh got themselves going on offense behind Giddey's playmaking.
Josh Giddey made Spaniards pick their poison. When the a few Aussies got their rhythm, they had to back off the aggressive double teams on Giddey. It only allowed the 6-foot-8 guard to do damage again with his points.
Giddey knew when to score and when to set up his teammates. Except the second quarter, he had the game under control. The Bulls guard finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers.
Josh Giddey had a superb night controlling Australia's game against Spain
After a flawless start, Josh Giddey struggled against Spain's physicality and double teams. The Spaniards had some success stopping Australia's offense by making it difficult for the Bommers' offensive hub to even receive the ball. Giddey had four turnovers in the second quarter after an error-free first period.
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian adjusted his team's attack starting the second quarter. Spain continued to double-team Giddey to stop him from scoring. The Aussies went to more pick-and-rolls and pin-downs to maximize their point guard's passing skills and vision.
Josh Giddey didn't score in the third quarter but the Australians didn't lose their rhythm on offense like they did in the second period.
The final frame was another 10 minutes of intense battle with the Aussies eventually holding off the Spaniards. Giddey scored five points and added a handful of rebounds and assists. He committed just one turnover in the second half. Giddey's control of the game allowed the Boomers to hold on with a 92-80 victory.