It’s been an up-and-down tournament for the Boomers, but incredibly, they’re just two wins away from an Olympic medal, and three wins away from the gold. 

Can Australia make history like they did in Tokyo? Or will they be boarding a flight home from Paris?

It’s a must-win against Serbia to keep the Boomers’ hopes alive, and NBL Media’s Pete Hooley looks at how Brian Goorjian and his team could get the job done. 

What’s at stake

The winner of this Quarter-Final matchup will move onto the Semi-Finals – where they will face the winner of USA vs Brazil for a place in the gold medal game.

The main men

Australia (1 win, 2 losses)
Josh Giddey: 15 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists
Jock Landale: 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Patty Mills: 13.3 points, 1.3 steals, 41.2% from three

Serbia (2 wins, 1 loss)
Nikola Jokic: 18.7 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists
Bogdan Bogdanovic: 19 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Vasilije Micic: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5.3 assists

The teams

Serbia

Led by Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia is one of the powerhouse nations in European basketball at the international level. After finishing runners-up at last year’s World Cup, without Jokic, Serbia aim to go one step further with the addition of their three-time NBA MVP. 

Serbia tipped off its Olympic campaign with a heavy loss to the United States, before bouncing back to beat Puerto Rico by 41 points and South Sudan by 11. Both NBA superstars were pivotal in their final round game, with Jokic putting up 23 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Bogdanovic poured in a game-high 30 points with 6 made threes.

Key numbers:
– A staggering 31 assists on 32 made field goals against South Sudan
– Averaged 25.6 assists per game
– Over 10 offensive rebounds per game
– 15.3 turnovers per game

Luc Longley says:
“Expect Serbia’s physicality to go up another level in this game. They will try to punch the Boomers in the mouth early and often. It’s just what they do. They did that to us in 2016 at Rio and it’s a trait of these European powerhouses. Expect to see them try and dominate territory in the half court and if they allow Jokic to dictate that, it makes it very tough.”

On Jokic:
“You have to do your work early and try to not let him get the ball. He is just so comfortable everywhere on the court. Stay underneath him, try and beat him to the spot. Don’t get lifted and make him gave to make tough shots. I don’t think you can really do anything else.”

Australia

After an impressive opening win against Spain, the Boomers have suffered back-to-back losses to Canada and Greece. 

Josh Giddey and Jock Landale have been dynamic for the Boomers across the pool games, and both will be relied on heavily if they are to continue in the tournament.

The Boomers have relied heavily on their defence to put them in this position and at times it’s looked one of the best at the Olympics. However, a poor second half against Canada, where they gave up 48-points and then the slow start against Greece, hurt any chance of finishing top of the group. 

Dyson Daniels has also had an outstanding tournament thus far, leading from the front with his defensive intensity whilst showing a much-improved and confident offensive game.

Key numbers:
– 16.7 turnovers per game
– 38.6 per cent from three
– 63.4 per cent three-throws

Longley says:
“The Boomers have had a hard time establishing their identity and playing the basketball that they’re built for thus far. However, it doesn’t mean it is not attainable and maybe it’s just a product of the changing of the guard and lack of time together. When things get tough, they have got a little loose and crazy and it’s hurt them.”

The x-factor?
“Dyson Daniels has been the standout so far in the tournament. His appetite for the fight defensively, his energy has been outstanding. The way he’s gone about it, it’s stoic, methodical and he has unlimited energy, I’ve really enjoyed watching him.”

Final thoughts

“It’s going to come down to the bigs. I think our guards can win their matchups, but we need our bigs to fight and compete to give us an edge. 

“Jock needs to stay out of foul trouble early and not be afraid to go at Jokic either. He’s not a shot blocker, so they need to attack him on the other end and get him on the back foot. If we have bigs compromised by fouls, it could be a tough night.” – Longley. 

How to follow & watch

Australian Boomers v Serbia
Bercy Arena
Tuesday, August 6 – tip-off from 10.30pm AEST
Watch: Live via Nine Network & Stan Sport
Scores & stats: Click here