Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Jock Landale…They are not stars in their NBA franchise, being above all “role players”. But in the national team, it is a completely different story.
Yesterday in the opening match against Spain, the center put on a small festival of efficiency: 20 points (9/14 shooting), 9 rebounds, 5 assists and an impressive +30 when he was on the court.
The Rockets' toughness and rebounding activity from the inside largely contributed to Australia winning the inside battle: +12 points in the paint (42-30) and +14 rebounds captured (46-32).
” Huge, just huge. It is an essential part of our system. “, can greet Joe Inglesbefore referring to the fact that his teammate had to withdraw from the last World Cup. He had suffered an ankle injury during preparation.
” Losing him so late in the run-up to the World Cup… Tonight shows that… We're not going to sit here and blame (this absence) as the reason why we didn't play well, but it's clearly very good that he's back “, continues the veteran in reference to the modest 10th place obtained by Australia last year.
Josh Giddey's Good Understanding
Against Spain, Jock Landale got his team off to a good start by converting a 3-pointer at the top of the key in the first minute of play. Behind, he did a lot of damage near the circle, especially coming out of a pick-and-roll with Patty Mills and especially Josh Giddey. And he also had a blast in the post in front of Usman Garuba.
” He's got a spark in him. You see it in warm-ups, you see it every day in practice. He's really brought that to this group. He's got composure, too. Things got complicated when they went to a triangle-and-two defense. (editor’s note: mixture of zone and individual defense). He was well set up, we served him underneath and he managed to be decisive for us. “, congratulates Nick Kay.
Josh Giddey, meanwhile, finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, confirming that he is Jock Landale's preferred playing partner. With this connection between the two men, and skillful shooters like yesterday, Australia can imagine itself advancing in the competition.
