Australia dropped a heartbreaker in their second group game as they lost to Germany, 85-82. The Boomers are now 1-1 in group play.
Down by one point, Josh Giddey had to helplessly watch from the sidelines as Australia failed to score with seven seconds remaining in regulation. The 20-year-old was forced to sit out the massive possession due to FIBA rules not allowing him in after bleeding from the elbow.
Giddey had one more shot at a miracle when he heaved a near-full court 3 as time expired that could’ve potentially forced overtime. Instead, the missed 3 was controversial as Giddey immediately confronted the referees about why it wasn’t a shooting foul.
The questionable officiating decisions capped off a highly entertaining close fourth quarter between two of the better teams in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. A 10-0 run by Germany to start the fourth quarter quickly erased Australia’s four-point lead entering the final frame.
That run was really the turning point of the game, as Germany outscored Australia 23-16 in the fourth quarter to come out with the win. Former Thunder guard Dennis Schroder was excellent in this game as he had 30 points on 10-of-19 shooting and eight assists.
Meanwhile, Giddey turned in a gusty performance after a slow start. In 30 minutes, he had 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, three assists and one rebound. He also went 3-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Thunder teammate Jack White had two rebounds and four turnovers in nine minutes off the bench.
Let’s look at highlights and instant reactions from Australia’s three-point loss.
Another slow start for Australia as Germany leads 8-0
Giddey 0/2 with a TO
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Brian Goorjian had the timeout speech of the century: “What’s going on man?…[expletive] we are playing for our lives!” He laid into Josh Giddey for letting up a bucket down low, and demanded him to be stronger with ball. I believe he also called Giddey & Reath “two dead bodies”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 27, 2023
End of 1Q: Australia 25, Germany 24
Giddey – 0/2 shooting, 1 turnover
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Josh Giddey free throws, love to see it.
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 27, 2023
Josh Giddey gets hit with an 8 second citation. Germany has the size to harass him. Boomers head coach was pleading with Giddey to get stronger with the ball at the first timeout. I’m sure the 20 year old will settle in soon. Back to back turnovers there for the Boomers.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 27, 2023
Won’t show up in the box score, but Jack White has had some nice moments in this one that includes hustling for a loose ball and directing Giddey where to go on defense
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
More Giddey free throws, I’m very intrigued
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 27, 2023
A bullet pass by Giddey to an open Thybulle under the basket. Easily his best play so far in this one
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
HALF: Germany 49, Australia 44
Giddey – 8 points on 3/7 shooting, 2 assists
White – 1 rebound
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Giddey continuing to stay aggressive
pic.twitter.com/35gVGVAXEt— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Giddey transition dunk!
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
End of 3Q: Australia 66, Germany 62
Giddey – 10 points on 4/11 shooting, 3 assists, 1 rebound
White – 2 rebounds
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
GIDDEY
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Josh Giddey with a through the lane floater to tie the game at 79 all with under 2 minutes to play! Some valuable closing experience here in a highly competitive game. Tough bucket.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 27, 2023
Josh Giddey takes over again goes right to the rim to re-tie the game matching buckets at the ring. Just great stuff after a shaky overall game. https://t.co/roU48Yf8zx
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 27, 2023
Josh Giddey at the line with 31 seconds left splits the difference again but it brings Australia within 1. Dennis turned it over immediately and The Boomers have the ball with 23 seconds left but a blooded Josh Giddey stops the game. Timeout Boomers. https://t.co/Q9708dYuOi
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) August 27, 2023
Giddey can't check in for a critical 1-point possession due to blood on his arm
Australia fails to score and Germany has the ball with 4.7 seconds left
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
HALF: Canada 66, Lebanon 30
SGA – 8 points on 3/5 shooting, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Somehow this wasn't a shooting foul as Germany escapes with the 85-82 win over Australia pic.twitter.com/0MfoaOnaE9
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 27, 2023
Josh Giddey against Germany
17 points
3 assists
1 steal
7/17 FGA
3/6 FTANot a great showing for him but had a pair of big buckets down the stretch pic.twitter.com/ZelkWK4S8r
— TF (@ThunderFocus) August 27, 2023
