Welcome to news.com.au’s dwell protection of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and this tournament-opening conflict between the Australian Boomers and Finland in Okinawa, Japan.
The Boomers are reeling from the lack of star centre Jock Landale, who not too long ago signed a 4-year, $50m contract with the Houston Rockets within the NBA.
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Jock Landale was dominated out with a left ankle damage throughout a warm-up match with South Sudan in Melbourne forward of the event, and scans confirmed “a lateral ankle ligament injury”.
Landale has been a journeyman for one of the best a part of his skilled profession, however has been key for the Boomers within the lead-up to this World Cup, along with his absence leaving Duop Reath the one bona-fide tall within the squad.
ESPN’s Neroli Meadows described it as a “massive, massive blow” for the Boomers, who take a squad that has 9 gamers with NBA expertise into this event, and will probably be hoping to take residence a maiden World Cup medal.
The Boomers have been drawn in Group E, alongside hosts Japan and Germany.
6.30pm – Finns take it to the Boomers
The Finns have proved they received’t take the third-ranked Boomers mendacity down, pushing the tempo early and forcing Australia into a variety of early free fouls.
Finland led 21-17 on the finish of the primary quarter, and proceed to guide Australia persistently, main 32-25 with 5 minutes remaining within the second time period.
Australia have struggled to discover a rhythm in response to the Scandinavians’ swift motion and physicality, capturing 36 per cent from the sector compared to Finland’s 44 per cent.
Josh Giddey has tried his finest to place the Boomers on his again, however has discovered his attacking lanes squeezed as Finland double-team him early within the lane.
6pm – Boomers step up with younger facet in maiden medal chase
Australia coach Brian Goorjian has named a younger beginning lineup, with Oklahoma City star and 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year Josh Giddey beginning on the level for Australia.
He is joined by Atlanta Hawks guard Patty Mills at capturing guard, Matisse Thybulle at small ahead, Nick Kay at energy ahead and Duop Reath at centre.
Finland coach Lassi Tuovi, the second youngest coach at this World Cup, has named Miro Little at level guard, Sasu Salin at capturing guard, Olivier Nkhamoua at small ahead, Mikael Jantunen at energy ahead, and 2023 NBA All-Star Lauri Markannen at centre.
Markannen additionally took residence the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award final yr, and is the important thing to a Finland outfit that play with tempo and swift ball motion.
Sasu Salin will even form as important for Finland, capturing 47% from deep at EuroBasket 2022.
Originally revealed as Boomers tackle Finland in FIBA World Cup opener chasing maiden World Cup medal
Source: www.news.com.au
