The Australian Boomers got their World Cup campaign off to a strong start, defeating Canada 108-92 in Dongguan, China.
After Australia took a 12-point lead into half-time, Canada turned the game on its head, outscoring the Australians 37-24 in the third quarter to take a one-point lead into the fourth.
Point guard Matthew Dellavedova caught fire down the stretch, leading the Boomers' fightback with some big plays on both ends. He led the Aussies with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc.
🔥🔥🔥@matthewdelly had the hot hand for the 🇦🇺 Boomers, leading them to a 108-92 win over 🇨🇦 Canada in their #FIBAWC opener
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) September 2, 2019
📊: 24 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 6-10 3PT pic.twitter.com/RhqaSsVcnv
Joe Ingles kept the Boomers' offence ticking over, recording nine assists to go with 13 points and five rebounds, while Chris Goulding came off the bench with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field.
Khem Birch led Canada with 18 points and five rebounds, while Cory Joseph finished with 16 and Kevin Pangos added 14 and eight assists.
Ooooh, mamma... That @KPangos and @Khem_Birch connection is what dreams are made of! 😪💭 #CANAUS@CanBball #CanadaGotGame
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) September 1, 2019
📽 https://t.co/U6RPjx3FuZ pic.twitter.com/sEBxc42aCd
Australia got off to a fast start in the first quarter, with Jock Landale making his presence felt in the paint. Australia's aggressive approach saw them shoot 10 free throws, getting into the bonus with five minutes remaining.
Ankles were tested that day... @Patty_Mills with the swerving and-1️⃣ finish for @BasketballAus 🇦🇺! 😳 #FIBAWC #CANAUS
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) September 1, 2019
📽 https://t.co/U6RPjx3FuZ pic.twitter.com/5wdd3w4Gxz
Cory Joseph sparked the Canadians in the second with three early buckets, before Patty Mills helped restore the double-digit lead.
How about this pretty alley-oop from Patty Mills to Andrew Bogut!#AustraliaGotGame #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/AqbABw5KfN
— FOX Basketball (@FoxBasketball) September 1, 2019
Whatever coach Nick Nurse said to the Canadians at half-time worked as they raced out on an 11-0 run, with buckets from Birch, Joseph, Pangos and Kyle Wiltjer to cut Australia's lead to 52-51, before a Dellaveodva three stopped the run.
Canada picked up the intensity on the defensive end, getting out in transition as they went on a 22-5 run. They finished the quarter with 37 points to take a one-point lead into the fourth.
Aron Baynes, Patty Mills and Dellavedova combined to help Australia open the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run to restore the Boomers' double-digit advantage as Canada struggled to knock down shots.
Canada takes on Lithuania on Tuesday, while the Boomers face Senegal, with the top two teams from Group H advancing.