Red eyes, on the verge of tears. Josh Giddey is so caught up in emotions that he struggles to start your answerHis team has just been eliminated at the last minute by Serbia after extra time (90-95), in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games.
A ” hard pill to swallow ” as the Bulls' new playmaker says, because Australia kept its chances until the end. And above all, it had a lead of up to 24 points against a team that was the favourite.
“ There are a lot of 'what ifs' (and if). We can look back and say we should have done this or that. But the reality is that it's over for us. “, says the Australian bluntly, who had made a very high-level start to the match: 8 of his team's first 16 points.
Confident in his floater and his outside shot, he was then replaced by an equally inspired Patty Mills (26 points at 11/21 shooting). We are talking about “FIBA Patty”, one of the greatest to ever participate in this type of tournament. ” recalls Josh Giddey.
While his veteran speaks of a ” incredible journey “, which does not have ” not been a pleasure “, marked by ” tears of joy and tears of sadness “, the 21-year-old is very disappointed for him.
“FIBA Giddey” shone
“ He deserved better, it was up to us to help him achieve his ultimate goal, the gold medal. Whether it was his last or not, he put so much into this program. His legacy will never, ever be forgotten in this country, in this tournament. “, projects “FIBA Giddey”.
The latter was still a great support for his shooter. Only his 7 lost balls tarnished his great performance against the Serbs: 25 points (11/20 shooting including 4/5 from afar), 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
And overall, he had a very good tournament: best scorer (17.5 points at 50% including 47% at 3-pointers) and passer (6) of his team and second rebounder (around 8).
But this setback against the team led by Nikola Jokic does not go down well… ” We were so close to the goal, we had so many chances. With the guys we have in this team, you think you can go all the way. […] It's infuriating and it kills me to have to wait four more years for another chance. “, he continues, thinking about the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
Proud of his group, he says he learned from his first Games that ” every possession counts “, because ” everything can happen so fast ” in this competition which leaves little room for error. “ We played four games and that's it. We have to wait four years. I don't really know how to sum it up now. This feeling sucks. But we'll be back in LA ” he promises.
Photo FIBA.com
