ALTHOUGH they put up a fighting performance, the Australian Boomers were defeated by Canada to the tune of 10 points to suffer their first loss of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Boomers were bested by a hungrier Canada side that was more physical and had the NBA talent to deliver down the stretch, despite the game being up for grabs until the dying minutes of the clash.

Australia’s clash with Greece on Friday now holds heavy significance for the Boomers’ medal chances, with the Aussies likely needing to win to advance to the quarter finals next week.

Australian Boomers (83) def. by Canada (93)

The Boomers showed they were up to the fight in a promising opening quarter, with Joshua Giddey leading the way with 10 points in the term. Australia led by four points at the first change, and had plenty of promise moving forward. The Aussies kept their noses in front in the second period, with Giddey continuing to lead the way, and the lead remained the same at half time, giving the Boomers plenty of hope with 20 minutes to play.

Although Australia had slight control of the match heading into the second half, Canada made a match-defining adjustment after the main break. Putting Lu Dort as the primary defender on Giddey was a game-changer and essentially shut down Australia’s offensive maestro. The Aussies found the going a lot tougher when looking to score, and began turning the ball over. As a result, Canada looked in control heading into three-quarter time, before a pair of Jack McVeigh triples brought the Boomers back within four.

Canada proved too strong in the fourth quarter, with the Boomers’ offence still struggling with Giddey well covered. The Aussies were within six points with a few minutes on the clock, but some tough made shots to the Canadians down the stretch ensured they got the job done.

As was the case with the Opals the night before, the Boomers’ turnovers proved costly, with Canada leading the points off turnover count 28-10, as this continues to be a recurring issue for the Aussies throughout the tournament.

Australia was also given a taste of its own medicine, with Canada far more physical defensively and not allowing the Boomers any easy baskets. Jock Landale was battered from pillar to post in the paint, and it limited his impact in comparison to previous outings. The Canadians had done their homework on this front and took it right up to the Aussies.

Although the first half was promising, the Boomers will be left to rue a disappointing second half and a result they let slip, scoring just 34 points in the final two quarters.

However, there were some positives for the Aussies, including the first half showing of Giddey, who posted 15 of his 18 points in the first and second periods. With tenacious drives to the basket and eye-catching stepback three-pointers, he threatened to tear the game apart before being constantly guarded in the second half.

Another shining light for Australia was the return of Dante Exum, who came back earlier than expected from a dislocated finger and made an immediate impact. Coming off the bench, he posted 15 points, two rebounds and two assists in just 15 minutes of court time, showing no fear when attacking the basket while also demonstrating a deft touch from mid-range.

From here, the equation for Australia looks reasonably simple, but two games are involved. If Canada beats Spain, the Aussies will either need to beat Greece or lose by nine points or less to advance based on point differential. However, if Spain upsets Canada, the Aussies will need to defeat Greece and rely on the margin not being too hefty in the other match.

Those two games will take place on Friday night as the group stages conclude.