Boomers' World Cup boost

The Australian Boomers have claimed a key scalp leading into the upcoming FIBA World Cup, defeating the fifth-ranked France in a lead-up game in Tokyo. 

It was a 78-74 win for Brian Goorjian's men, with a 47-35 second half setting the tone for the Boomers' preparation for the tournament.

An injury concern for star Dallas Maverick Josh Green may have soured the victory for the Australian side though, after he hobbled off with what appeared to be a leg injury.

Slowed down look at the Josh Green injury.. hyper extension of the leg by the look of it pic.twitter.com/q9GyFHbngm

— The Mavs Blog (@TheMavsBlog) August 20, 2023

NBL legend Andrew Gaze said the Boomers were in "all sorts" after falling behind early, but an ultra-consistent display thereafter, with five players reaching double-figure scoring, saw them bounce back.

Nick Kay (12), Josh Giddey (12), Patty Mills (11), Dante Exum (11) and Duop Reath (11) were all influential, as Reath provided the highlight of the night with a huge two-handed dunk over Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert.

“He is a sensation ... he has really improved and looked very comfortable out there with his teammates,” Gaze said of Reath, who spent the NBL22 season with the Illawarra Hawks.

Duop Reath takes flight and @BasketballAus ?? take the win - posterizing Rudy Gobert on the way to victory over France! ?#FIBAWC x #WinForAustraliapic.twitter.com/rijRD3GQ4u

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ? (@FIBAWC) August 20, 2023

The Boomers tip off their World Cup campaign against Finland on Friday night, at 6pm AEST.

Every game of the FIBA World Cup will be shown live on ESPN. 

FT: Boomers WIN!!! A great comeback from a slow start to take it by 4pts. ? AUS 78 | 74 FRA#WeAreBasketball #WinForAustralia pic.twitter.com/Iho05G0mIe

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) August 20, 2023