Mills makes his mark as Boomers best Serbia

THE AUSTRALIAN Boomers have ended their exhibition series in Abu Dhabi with a win, defeating Serbia by 10 points on the eve of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Bouncing back after a valiant loss at the hands of Team USA the day prior, the biggest positive for the Boomers was a return to form for Patty Mills, who led from the front on the offensive end and looked back to his best.

Mills produced a game-high 28 points on 7/13 shooting from the field, while knocking down four of his seven triples in the process. Renowned as Australia’s best performer at international level, the veteran guard had struggled in the green and gold of late, but Wednesday morning’s performance would have encouraged the Aussies heading into the Olympics.

It was Australia’s second matchup against a star-studded side, with Serbia boasting three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, but the Boomers were too strong and will head into the Olympics with a clearer vision of which rotation works.

Despite having the best player in the world, Serbia was given an early challenge from the Boomers, with Australia sharing the ball and getting everyone involved on the offensive end. However, the Serbians were well-served by their big men and led by a point at the main change, courtesy of a buzzer-beating lay-up in transition.

The close nature of the game continued in the third quarter, as the Boomers were prevented from breaking away on the scoreboard with Serbia answering down the other end every time Australia looked to make a run. Heading into the fourth term, the Aussies led by three points in an even contest.

The fourth period belonged to the Boomers, with the opposition unable to keep up on the scoreboard as the Aussies looked to drive and attack the paint. Mills was still deadly at creating baskets for himself and others. Australia cruised home to an 83-73 victory.

The game gave a better look at how the Aussies will use their minutes at the Olympic Games, with the starting lineup of Mills, Joshua Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Nick Kay and Jock Landale appears to be settled and works well in tandem. The big man court time appears to have gone to Will Magnay as Landale’s backup instead of Duop Reath, with Brian Goorjian seemingly preferring the former’s defensive work and high motor.

The Boomers will kick off their Olympic campaign against Spain on Saturday, July 27.