IN a clash that was heated at times, the Australian Boomers defeated Spain in the first game of the 2024 Paris Olympics for both sides on Saturday night.

The Boomers had to withstand a tough challenge from a Spain side that has typically had the wood over the Aussies in years gone by. Although the Spanish hung around until the final minutes of the match, Australia was simply too good, and produced a 12-point win to start the tournament 1-0.

Placed into the ‘Group of Death’, the Boomers were given a tough fixture for the group stage, but got the job done against Spain in the first outing. However, this was the most likely of victories for the Aussies, and it will only get tougher from here.

Australian Boomers (92) def. Spain (80)

It was a matchup that got heated at times, with the two teams needing to be separated in the first half as play got much more physical. FIBA basketball is renowned for being a tougher style of play, with harder fouls and less whistles, so these confrontations are common at the level.

Australia was on the receiving end of some unsportsmanlike fouls and hard hits, and although there was one altercation that paused play, the Boomers maintained their composure to keep ahead on the scoreboard.

After a hot start from the Aussies, Spain did a nice job of staying in the match early in the last quarter, before a Jack McVeigh triple essentially slammed the door shut as Australia heads into its clash against Canada in some good form at international level.

Undoubtedly Australia’s best method of scoring the ball is through Joshua Giddey and Jock Landale pick-and-rolls, which was an excellent weapon in the win over Spain. Giddey’s ability to make passes around defenders is remarkable, while Landale compliments the point guard nicely with quick cuts to the basket after setting the on-ball screen.

The big man had to withdraw from Australia’s World Cup campaign in 2023 at the last minute, and his performances lately have demonstrated just how big of an absence he left.

Landale posted 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Giddey had 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the duo continues to be the focal point for the Aussies offensively.

Defensively, Dyson Daniels and Josh Green are proving difficult for opponents to overcome. The pair often press up when guarding the opposition, and proved disruptive for Spain’s backcourt. The Aussies face the star-studded Canada outfit on Tuesday night, which boasts a backcourt of Jamal Murray and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, alongside wing RJ Barrett, so Daniels and Green will need to bring their A-Game on the defensive end.