Paris Olympics: Boomers & Kookaburras make winning starts

Australia’s two best chances at men’s team medal hopes, the Boomers in basketball and Kookaburras in hockey, have made winning starts to their Olympic Games.

Spain was no match for the Boomers, who defeated them 92-80 under the leadership of Josh Giddey, who had a dream Olympic debut.

It was just as gritty for the Kookaburras, with the Aussies scrapping to a 1-0 triumph over Argentina.

Giddey leads Aussies to opening win

In a commanding Olympic debut, Josh Giddey led the Boomers to a thrilling victory over Spain in their fiery Paris Olympics opener in Lille.

Australia, overcoming past heartbreaks against the European powerhouse, secured a 92-80 win, marking their first victory over Spain since the 2000 Olympics, when Shane Heal’s 26 points led them to a 91-80 triumph.

Despite Spain’s history of denying the Boomers medals in recent tournaments, including the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 World Cup, Australia’s resilience prevailed this time.

Giddey impressed with 17 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Jock Landale contributed 20 points and eight rebounds, solidifying Australia’s strong start in the tournament.

Kookaburras prevail over Argentina

Blake Govers’ second-quarter thunderbolt and a series of clutch saves by goalkeeper Andrew Charter led the Kookaburras to a narrow 1-0 victory over a resolute Argentina in their Pool 1 game of the Paris Olympics.

Govers’ drag flick, delivered at over 120 km/h, was a masterpiece, striking the right netting with such precision that neither the Argentine goalkeeper nor the postman stood a chance.

This goal, Australia’s only quality chance of the afternoon, secured the win in their first pool match of the tournament.

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