[SemiFinals] Spain - Australia

[Arsonist]

I think Australia will win for the motivation they bring throughout the tournament, but it is true if Spain comes fine from the perimeter will be all much more balanced, it will be a great game.

[usagre]

Pau Gasol had 31 points and 11 rebounds in that 2016 Bronze medal game and fouled Bogut out in 14 minutes. Mirotic had 14 and 7. All key Australians are back for this rematch while Spain is missing those two that I mentioned above. This game is a toss up. 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2016 were all semifinal losses for Australia in international tournaments. They have another opportunity to break through here.

[reamily]

australia offense versus spains defense..the reasonnaustralia making it farther now is because they are now accepting tbeir identity, yes they want to play rugby style defense but still their offense and versatility is their strength

[Darrell Armstrong]

Pau Gasol had 31 points and 11 rebounds in that 2016 Bronze medal game and fouled Bogut out in 14 minutes. Mirotic had 14 and 7. All key Australians are back for this rematch while Spain is missing those two that I mentioned above. This game is a toss up. 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2016 were all semifinal losses for Australia in international tournaments. They have another opportunity to break through here.

Well, as I've said before, I don't really think scoring is a big problem for Spain. Without Gasol and Mirotic others have stepped up. Marc and Willy average close to 20 points per game, so the center position is not really a weakness. Juancho and Claver also average 20 ppg, and very efficiently (56% FG, 42% 3PT). Rubio has doubled his scoring output and provides more points than the PG duo of the Olympics without requiring that many shots (15ppg 45%FG). I'm still worried about who's going to provide in the clutch, although Rubio seems to have taken over that role. I just don't trust Bricky.

But even if the offence has taken a step back, our defence is better than before. So no need to score that many points. We'll see. I think Australia is missing some key subs as well and all the games, heavy minutes and travel can take their toll. Anyway Spain is the underdog against both Australia and France. I like it. There's nothing to worry about if we lose.

[HeinrichMohr]

This second quarter is being awful for Spain. How good Patty Mills.

[HeinrichMohr]

Halftime. Someone should tell Bricky to stop shooting threes. 32-37 for the boomers.

[Killer Bob]

Rubio’s 3 pts% is impressive in this WC, but it’s more because of small sample, his shot still looks random. Spain is very lucky being only 5 points behind.

[Mr Chacho]

With Gasol shooting 3s and Ricky doing stepbacks from 3pt, nothing bad can happen to Australia. Our defense is elite, our offense is amateur.

[childress67]

Its flopping time..its Rudy time

[Mr Chacho]

Spain's are a disaster, 23% from 3pt and 41% from 2pt. The best is the result.

[HeinrichMohr]

This game is the proof that mental state is extremely important in basketball. When you miss a lot of bad selected shots, then you'll miss the good ones too.

[fasoulaki]

I agree completey! Psychology is a very very very important part of the game. You cannot be physically strong if you are mentally weak.

[ncjazz]

The Boomers showing they are for real. Had a feeling about this. See if they can hang on and me stay awake.

[Cojayar]

Halftime. Someone should tell Bricky to stop shooting threes. 32-37 for the boomers.

If someone has to tell him something, then better someone has a clue about basketball. You are excluded. Sorry.

[HeinrichMohr]

If someone has to tell him something, then better someone has a clue about basketball. You are excluded. Sorry.

Yes, master.