The Australia Boomers playing in front of the biggest crowd (52,079) to ever watch a basketball game were able to pull off the unthinkable and do what no international team has been able to do since 2006 – knocking off the USA 98-94 in their final tune-up game before the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Patty Mills scored a game-high 30 points — knocking down four triples, including 12 points in the fourth-quarter. Andrew Bogut nearly had a double-double with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Joe Ingles added 15 points and 7 rebounds. Aron Baynes 13 points 4 rebounds.
The loss is the Americans first defeat in nearly 13 years since Greece took them down 101-95 in the semi-finals of the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Saitama, Japan.
Team USA managed to regroup and win the Bronze Medal of the the tournament and ripped-off a program best 78 straight wins – failing to lose a game at the 2007 FIBA Americas, 2008 Summer Olympics in Bejing, 2010 World Championships, 2012 Olympics, 2014 World Cup and again in 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Prior to the loss to Greece in 2006, the Americans also dropped a stunning 95-78 decision to Italy in 10 prior to the start of the 2004 Olympic games in Athens Greece.
Kemba Walker continued to lead the way for the Americans with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Harrison Barnes had a strong effort with 20 points and 6 rebounds Donovan Mitchell added 12 points in the loss.
The USA (2-1) will play Canada (4-2) on Monday, August 26th in their final tune-up for before the World Cup in China.
The Boomers (2-2) now set their focus on traveling to China and their preparation for their opening game against the Team Canada on September 1st.
Boxscore: Australia vs. USA
