Giddey nears triple double debut in Australia opening win

Josh Giddey had a debut to remember as Australia mauled Finland, 98-72, for a rousing start to their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 campaign, Friday at the Okinawa Arena.

The 20-year-old point guard finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, becoming the first player in the 21st century to have more than 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in their first World Cup game since the legendary LeBron James in 2006.

Giddey joined hands with the Patty Mills and Joe Ingles in turning the game around late in the second quarter, where they wiped out an eight-point deficit and headed into the break holding a 45-40 lead.

Momentum would shift on the Boomers’ way as the crew began to pull away in the third quarter. They even led by as much as 29 at one point.

Mills earned TCL Player of the Game honors as he paced Australia with a game-high 25 points, together with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals.

Special was the night overall for the 35-year-old as he passed Ray Borner as the third all-time leading scorer for the Boomers in the World Cup. He’s now 11 away from tying Philip Smith at no. 2 (301).