The Boomers have survived a fiery Spanish foul-fest to exact some Olympic revenge and notch a crucial first-up Games win.

Australia’s Tokyo bronze medallists won 92-80 in Lille on Saturday, with Josh Giddey (17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists) and Jock Landale (20 points, nine rebounds) starring as Dante Exum (dislocated finger) sat out.

A new-look Spain don’t have Pau Gasol or Ricky Rubio, who tormented Australia in legacy-defining wins at the 2016 Olympics and 2019 World Cup respectively.

But their Paris encounter showed the rivalry will live on in the next generation, with tempers flaring in what was essentially a must-win game in a pool also featuring medal hopes Canada and Greece.

Australia started brilliantly, with Dyson Daniels (13 points, seven rebounds) effective at both ends, Giddey hitting two long triples and selection bolter Jack McVeigh (13 points, seven boards) throwing a smooth no-look assist in a nerveless first touch.

They led 18-7 after another Giddey bucket then 38-17 when Spanish forward Usman Garuba was called for a moving screen on Josh Green. Green clapped back while Will Magnay’s light touch of the Spaniard’s lower back set Garuba off, pushing Green and triggering a scuffle.

Magnay – picked to be the Boomers’ enforcer – and Garuba were called for technical fouls and it lit the fuse for a spiteful final three quarters.

Officials battled to keep control of the contest and blew 24 fouls in the first half. But Nick Kay was responsible enough to keep his cool after he was tunnelled by Willy Hernangomez and landed on his back.