Chicago will be taking a keen interest in the performance of the Aussies when the Olympic Summer Games open up in Paris. Australia has medal aspirations after strong performances in their exhibition games. Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls will be an integral piece for the Boomers as he is tasked as running the offense.
When Arturas Karnisovas and company decided to trade Alex Caruso in June in a straight up swap it caused many to scratch their heads. Karnisovas was prioritizing a reliable lead guard to orchestrate the offense, which is something they have lacked since Lonzo Ball's injuries. In OKC, Giddey had been regulated to playing off guard, which did not fit his skillset.
Now, he will have the opportunity to showcase his floor general abilities for Australia in the Olympics. The Chicago faithful will be watching Giddey's performance in Paris to see if he can be the difference maker Karnisovas is hoping for.
Josh Giddey Game-by-Game Performance
GAME 2: Canada 93 Australia 83
A pivotal Group A Matchup that will tested Josh Giddey and the Boomers. The Canadians regarded as the 2nd best team in the Olympics are coming in with a loaded roster of NBA veterans. To add to the plot of the game is that Giddey will be facing two former Oklahoma City teammates in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort. With the shaky departure for Giddey, it does feel there might be some added pressure or maybe motivation going into the 2nd game.
Josh Giddey Box Score
28 Minutes - 19 Points - 3/7 3PT - 2/4 FT - 7 REB - 6 AST - 3 TO
Stylistically both teams are similar. They rely on a guard heavy lineup with little front court depth. On paper, Canada's the advantage is with the ability to apply unrelenting pressure on opposing guards.
An entertaining first quarter saw the Aussies hold a 2-point advantage. Giddey once again was able to get off to a fast start scoring 10 points with an assist in the first quarter. Initially, Australia played Giddey off the ball and allowed Dyson Daniels to bring the ball up the court with less pressure. The Aussies caught a huge break when Giddey was able to draw Alexander's 2nd foul early in the game. As Australia used ball movement, cutting and inside play to jump out early, Canada relied on the 3-point shot hitting 5 of their first 11 attempts in the quarter.
Giddey's versatility was once again on display. He was 1-2 from deep and was constantly putting pressure on the rim in transition and the half court. Australia was comfortable and playing freely in the opening quarter.
Canada began to pick up the defensive pressure halfway through the 1st quarter, which Giddey responded going coast-to-coast on a nice inside hand finish. The next position Giddey would get a mismatch on Trey Lyles and attack him downhill for a contested left handed layup.
Dillon Brooks was doing Dillon Brooks things and tried to disrupt the rhythm of Giddey early and got into his face after a made basket. Giddey keeping his composure started to run down the floor, but the contact between the two players caused a questionable double foul. The constant in your face style would eventually wear on Giddey as the game moved on.
In the 2nd quarter, Giddey picked up where he left off as he hit a deep 3, but would pick up his second foul shortly after that. In was noticeable the Aussies were trying to give Giddey more rest against the pressure defenseand he would have a lengthy sit on the bench.
When he returned, he began to impact the game again. On three straight positions, Giddey hit on passes. First, on a slideline-out-of bounds to Dyson, then a transition push where he skipped to McVeigh for an open 3, followed by a full-court, rim-run look to Lockendale, which he would lose the ball off his knee. He would cap off the half with a strong take against Jamal Murrary which he used his length on a successful floater. Australia would take a 4-point advantage in half and Giddey finished with an outstanding15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Canada found a different level in the second half and it was immediately felt. Giddey faced even more fierce pressure from the rotating defenders of SGA, Brooks and Dort. After back to back turnovers, Giddey responded with a three, but Giddey would go back to the bench down four at the six minute mark and not return until under 1:30 minutes to play in the quarter.
As it looked like things were going sideways for the Aussies, they were able to withstand the run. When Giddey returned, it was noticeable the pressure was beginning to wear on him. He still was able to find McVeigh on a couple open 3's, but he also felt out of control. Canada would have a two point advantage going into the 4th.
Giddey impact on the game in the 4th was minimal. He was able to hit on some nice looks, but Australia had stopped moving on offense and Giddey was visibly tired and frustrated. Canada controlled most of the 4th quarter leading to a 10-point win, which puts the final game of pool play against Giannis and the Greeks a must win situation.
Giddey’s Overall Performance
Giddey had another strong, albeit uneven performance, against Canada. Once again, he asserted himself from the start, but his impact was not as noticeable in the second half. Hopefully, some of Giddey's fatigue will be remedied once in season. Giddey's ability to add strength will be key in his development as an NBA player.
Both against Spain and Canada, teams tried to get into Giddey's head to disrupt his rhythmn. He has done an excellent job in the first game and a half of not taking the bait. However, Canada's pressure finally did get to him. In a challenging matchup, Giddey held his own, which should continue to excite Chicago Bulls fans.
GAME 1: Australia 92 Spain 80
The Aussies were thrown right into the fire in the 2024 Olympics having to take on the #2 FIBA ranked Spain in the opening game of the group stage. A critically important game for both sides as other group A members Greece and Canada await. Many have dubbed Group A, the “group of death”. A key game for both countries as loss would make reaching the knockout round difficult
Josh Giddey Box Score
28 Minutes - 17 Points - 2/4 3PT - 1/4 FT - 8 REB - 8 AST - 5 TO
Josh Giddey was locked in from the start. He demonstrated his offensive acumen as he impacted the game in multiple facets. He was aggressive from the tip and showed his ability able to get to the rim and draw fouls, cut off ball, shoot from deep and be creative in the lane. This all happened in the first eight minutes. He controlled the tempo as the floor general for the Aussies and made Spain pay when they tried to go to a zone for a few possessions early. When Giddey subbed out with two minutes to go in the first quarter Australia had already jumped out to a 11-point advantage.
The second quarter became very chippy as the game lost most of its flow. Spain tried to become more aggressive to disrupt the rhythmn of the Boomers. In the middle of all the chirping was Giddey. Spain’s big man Usman Garbua set a hard illegal screen on Josh Green, which resulted in a shoving match between the two.
Giddey immediately inserted himself into the the altercation and began having words with Garuba. It was clear the rest of the quarter, Giddey was not going to be pushed around or let his teammates pushed.
Spain would even attempt to employe a box-and-one defense to try to keep the ball out of Giddey’s hands in the 2nd quarter. He would finish the first half with an impressive 15 points and three assists.
After a rather dominating 1st half from the Boomers, Spain answered the bell early in the 3rd quarter and even pulled ahead briefly halfway through the quarter. The Aussies would respond with Giddey on the bench led by veteran Patty Mills. Giddey was much more of a facilitator in the second half, creating opportunities for his teammates. The stat line is not as impressive as the first, but his impact was still noticeable.
The Aussies were able to put Spain away with a key stretch from Giddey with four minutes to go in the 4th quarter. Up by eight points, Giddey would throw a sharp behind the back pass to Jake Lockendale, who skipped the ball, which led to a made 3-pointer. That was followed by a Giddey attack and hitting a 2-point runner. Then two possessions later Giddey pushed the ball in transition off a miss shot and found Lockendale again for a two point basket putting the Aussies up 13 with little over two minutes to go.
Giddey’s Overall Performance
Giddey was the best player on the floor and had a very good (but not necessarily great) game. Santi Aladma put a shooting clinic (27 points on 6-8 from 3PT) to keep is team in the game, but Giddey’s ability to score, facilitate and rebound was key in the crucial matchup. With the win, Australia has put themselves in a solid chance to make it to the knockout round if they can get by Canada or Greece.
The next match-up against the Candians will be challenging for the Aussies. The guard heavy, NBA talented Canadians will test Giddey's ability to create offense for the Boomers with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillion Brooks and Lu Dort.
Next Game: Tuesday July 30th vs. Canada - 6:30 AM CT
GAME 2: Canada 93 Australia 83
A pivotal Group A Matchup that would test Josh Giddey and the Boomers. The Canadians are regarded as the 2nd best team in the Olympics are coming in with a loaded roster of NBA veterans. To add to the plot of the game is that Giddey will be facing two former Oklahoma City teammates in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort. With the shaky departure for Giddey, it does feel there might be some added pressure or maybe motivation going into the 2nd game.
Josh Giddey Box Score
28 Minutes - 19 Points - 3/7 3PT - 2/4 FT - 7 REB - 6 AST - 3 TO
Stylistically both teams are similar. They rely on a guard heavy lineup with little front court depth. On paper, Canada's clear advantage is with the ability to apply unrelenting pressure on opposing guards.
An entertaining first quarter saw the Aussies hold a 2-point advantage. Giddey once again was able to get off to a fast start scoring 10 points with an assist in the first quarter. Initially, Australia played Giddey off the ball and allowed Dyson Daniels to bring the ball up the court with less pressure. The Aussies caught a huge break when Giddey was able to draw Alexander's 2nd foul early in the game. As Australia used ball movement, cutting and inside play to jump out early, Canada relied on the 3-point shot hitting 5 of their first 11 attempts in the quarter.
Giddey's versatility was once again on display. He was 1-2 from deep and was constantly putting pressure on the rim in transition and the half court. Australia was comfortable and playing freely in the opening quarter.
Canada began to pick up the defensive pressure halfway through the 1st quarter, which Giddey responded by going coast-to-coast on a nice inside hand finish. The next position Giddey would get a mismatch on Trey Lyles and attack him downhill for a contested left-handed layup.
Dillon Brooks was doing Dillon Brooks things and tried to disrupt the rhythm of Giddey early and got into his face after a made basket. Giddey kept his composure and started to run down the floor, but the contact between the two players caused a questionable double foul. The constant in your face style would eventually wear on Giddey as the game moved on.
In the 2nd quarter, Giddey picked up where he left off as he hit a deep 3, but would pick up his second foul shortly after that. It was noticeable the Aussies were trying to give Giddey more rest against the pressure defense and he would have a lengthy sit on the bench.
When he returned, he began to impact the game again. On three straight positions, Giddey hit on passes. First, on a sideline out of bounds to Dyson, then a transition push where he skipped to McVeigh for an open 3, followed by a full-court, rim-run look to Landale, which he would lose the ball off his knee. He would cap off the half with a strong take against Jamal Murray which he used his length on a successful floater. Australia would take a 4-point advantage in half and Giddey finished with an outstanding 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Canada found a different level in the second half and it was immediately felt. Giddey faced even more fierce pressure from the rotating defenders of SGA, Brooks and Dort. After back-to-back turnovers, Giddey responded with a three, but Giddey would go back to the bench down four at the six-minute mark and not return until under 1:30 minutes to play in the quarter.
As it looked like things were going sideways for the Aussies, they were able to withstand the run. When Giddey returned, it was noticeable the pressure was beginning to wear on him. He still was able to find McVeigh on a couple open 3's, but he also felt out of control. Canada would have a two-point advantage going into the 4th.
Giddey's impact on the game in the 4th was minimal. He was able to hit on some nice looks, but Australia had stopped moving on offense and Giddey was visibly tired and frustrated. Canada controlled most of the 4th quarter leading to a 10-point win, which puts the final game of pool play against Giannis and the Greeks a must win situation.
Giddey’s Overall Performance
Giddey had another strong, albeit uneven performance, against Canada. Once again, he asserted himself from the start, but his impact was not as noticeable in the second half. Hopefully, some of Giddey's fatigue will be remedied once in season. Giddey's ability to add strength will be key in his development as an NBA player.
Both against Spain and Canada, teams tried to get into Giddey's head to disrupt his rhythm. He has done an excellent job in the first game and a half of not taking the bait. However, Canada's pressure finally did get to him. In a challenging matchup, Giddey held his own, which should continue to excite Chicago Bulls fans.
Next Game: Friday August 2nd vs. Greece - 6:30 AM CT