THE Australian Boomers played their penultimate warm-up game in Japan yesterday afternoon, defeating France by four points in a thrilling result.

It was not all smooth sailing for the Boomers despite getting the win, with France getting the jump on the opposition early in the match. The Aussies simply could not get the defensive stops required to match France’s output on the offensive end, but got going in the second half to shock the Olympic silver medalists just days out from the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

While the win was a massive positive for Australia in the lead up to the tournament, there are still some concerns that continue to grow from the ‘Boomers vs. World’ series.

Firstly, the Boomers sustained another injury to a key player in Josh Green, who appeared to hurt his leg in the second quarter. The Dallas Maverick did not return to the court for the remainder of the match, and the Aussies will be hopeful that it is nothing too serious.

The second slight worry from an Australian perspective is the continued shooting slump of Patty Mills, which spilled into the France game following his stints on home soil. Arguably Australia’s greatest ever international performer has been unable to find the bottom of the net of late, and his struggles resumed against France. He shot 3/16 from the field, making him 12/51 since the start of the warmup games, including 6/34 from three-point territory.

One positive on this front is the fact that Mills fired when it mattered most, hitting a clutch basket in the dying stages to give Australia the lead. He also hit a pair of crucial free throws shortly after, capping off the Boomers’ come-from-behind victory. The Aussies will be hopeful that these plays drag him out of the slump and into some better form as the first game approaches.

The Boomers will be encouraged by the fact that five players registered double-digits in the points column. Joshua Giddey led from the front once again, finishing with an equal team-high 12 points as he continues his emergence as the face of the team. Nick Kay (12), Dante Exum (11), Mills (11) and Duop Reath (11) all chimed in with some crucial plays as well. The latter even provided an exciting highlight play, putting star big man Rudy Gobert on a poster with a huge dunk.

Evan Fournier led all-comers on the scoring front, posting 29 points and showcasing his elite ability to find the bottom of the net with ease.

The Boomers have their final warmup match against Georgia tomorrow.