The Australian Boomers took on Serbia in the their round two match up in the group stage. It was never going to be easy for Australia as Serbia was up for a fight. It was closely contested first half, with Serbia holding on to q slim half time lead of just three points. Australia weren't playing their best basketball in first half and they had to change it up for any a chance at a win. They played with more aggression in the third period and started chipping into the lead. Serbia stayed in front at half time but only by one point. Serbia are ranked sixth in the world compared to Australia's ranking of 11. However the teams didn't play like their ranking would suggest in the last period, with Australia pouncing on every opportunity. It was one of the most dominant quarters of basketball so far at the Olympics, as Australia went on a 33 to 17 run to finish the game as 15 point winners.
For such a dominant last quarter, there were certainly players that to to stand up. This weeks MVP votes look much different to the last game, as it was time to shine for a young point guard.
5) Aron Baynes
Aron didn't have a fantastic game but played well when it counted. He finished with 10 pints in 40% shooting which is a good rate. He continued to crash the glass, pulling down seven rebounds. He only dishes off one assist, but was perfect from the charity strike, shooting two from two. However, he waisted numerous possessions by turning the ball over on three occasions. I'd like to see Baynes set up his teammates more. I know he is a center and they're
not known for assists, but I think he could become more dominant if he became more versatile.
4) Joe Ingles
Joe improved on his match against France, and he became important towards the end of the game. Joe spent the second most time on the court, behind only Patty Mills. Joe hit 10 points on 40% shooting. He hit two of five shots with four of those attempts from beyond the ark. He played a versatile game, grabbing three rebounds and and setting up his teammates five times. He was 100% from the free throw line from his four attempts. Joe also had three turnovers but was able to steal the ball once as well. I would like to see Joe Ingles work the ball inside more often.
3) Patrick Mills
Patty played a more offensive role against Serbia, and was given the most game time. He played over half an hour during the match and ended up on 26 points on 47.1% shooting. He grabbed one rebound and had three turnovers but went statless everywhere else. He shot two from nine three pointers which I think is too many. Mills is in the number three position because of his shooting, but he needs to start getting some steals and some assists. He needs to play more as a point guard rather than a shooting guard. He had a good game but, like the others, he needs to beckme more versatile. I'm not saying he has to get a Tripple double, but some other stats would improve him as a player.
2) Andrew Bogut
Andrew played a fantastic game against Serbia and he really lifted like I said he needed to. He
scored nine points, shooting at 35% from the field. He hit 100% of his three pointers, hitting his only attempt. Andrew definately played the role of a centre, pulling down 12 rebounds and completed the total versatile game by dishing off six assists. He was a pain defensively, sending back three blocks, capping off one of his best games in a while. On most days, Bogut would be the number one player, but there was one player I just couldn't look past.....
1) Mathew Dellevedova
Mathew just had one of those nights where everything went his way. He shot the ball at 85.1% from the field for a total of 23 points. He hit three three pointers, going at 75% from beyond the ark. Mathew was the only player in the Australian team to record a double double, finishing with 13 dimes. He was very careful with the ball and avoided turning the ball over at all during the match. Defensively, he didn't record a block but managed two steals and gave away four fouls. I said that Mathew had to take more suites in my last article, and that's exactly what he did. The only thing I think he should improve on is the rebounding category, as he did not record a single rebound.
After the first two games, this is how my MVP leaderboard is looking at the moment.
1- Andrew Bogut, 9 votes
2- Mathew Dellevedova, Patrick Mills, 7 votes
3- Aron Baynes, 4 votes
4- Joe Ingles, 3 votes
No other player has recorded a vote so far.
So, let me know if you agree with my votes, and if not, tell me who should have received which votes.
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