Exum thought Olympics was over

When Dante Exum dislocated his finger against France in a warm-up game, he immediately thought his Olympic campaign was over.

His right index finger was facing the other way, and not long after he left the court there was already innuendo around who could replace him in Paris. 

Exum was expected to miss multiple matches, but just nine days later, to the surprise of many, entered the court against Canada. He'd missed just one game with what looked a serious injury. 

Perhaps even more impressive, he didn't miss a beat. 

Clearly uncomfortable and at times in pain, Exum fought through it to score 15 points on 6-of-9 from the field, labelled the “difference-maker” by coach Brian Goorjian. 

He backed that up with 24 minutes of action against Greece, registering 6 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. 

After a career riddled with injuries and his share of bad luck, the 29-year-old could have been forgiven for thinking he’d be boarding an early flight home.

“When I saw my finger facing the other way, I thought I was done,” Exum told The Australian. 

“I copped a few knocks which is going to hurt, but I’m managing it as best as possible.”

It’s fair to say the Boomers haven’t really hit their straps in Paris – one win and two losses far from the ideal place to be after three games of the group stage.

But as Andrew Bogut said, in major tournaments, “you need luck” and Australia is somewhat surprisingly just two wins away from another Olympic medal.

Serbia and Nikola Jokic loom as the Boomers’ next challenge, before a likely matchup against Team USA, if they can get past Brazil. 

After his Olympics was almost prematurely brought to an end, Exum will no doubt be key to Australia’s chances of repeating that incredible feat in Tokyo. 

Australian Boomers v Serbia
Bercy Arena
Tuesday, August 6 - Tip-off from 10.30pm AEST
Watch: Live via Nine Network & Stan Sport
Scores & stats: Click here

Highlights, scores & game reports available via the NBL's social media channels. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE >> ‘I thought I was done’ Boomers star Dante Exum opens up on his incredible return from a dislocated finger