The Boomers have overcome a scratchy start to their men’s basketball World Cup campaign, with veteran Patty Mills and youngster Josh Giddey starring in a 98-72 win over Finland in Okinawa, Japan.
The Boomers trailed 36-28 in the second quarter but outscored the European nation 17-4 to lead 45-40 at halftime.
They dominated the second half, scoring 53-32.
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Atlanta NBA guard Mills top-scored with 25 points, eight rebounds and four steals.
Oklahoma City Thunder NBA guard Giddey came close to a triple double on his World Cup debut, logging 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists
A lift in defensive Intensity combined with improving offence turned the game around after Finland jumped the Boomers.
World No.24 ranked Finland’s first three field goals were all long bombs, underlining the threat they posed from outside.
The Finns scored the last seven points of the first quarter to lead 21-14 at quarter-time.
With physicality, they didn’t allow the Boomers to settle early on, but Australia’s initially poor offence improved markedly as the game progressed and they shot 51 per cent from the field.
Australia scored 12 straight points either side of halftime to open up a 49-40 advantage.
Dante Exum (10 points) added spark off the bench in the third quarter, racking up eight points and three assists for the term.
Xavier Cooks and Jack White also provided energy in the second half.
Finland’s 213cm Utah Jazz NBA big man Lauri Markkanen top-scored for his side with 19 points.
Australia’s next game is against Germany on Sunday.
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