The Golden Start of the Boomers turns into a nightmare as the third quarters destroy their Olympic dreams.
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After a painful semi-final loss to Team USA 97-78 on Thursday, the Australian Boomers will have to settle for bronze to finally break their Olympic medal drought.
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The United States turned it on in the second half, just as they did against Spain in the quarterfinals, to show they're still the team to defeat in international competition as they chase their fourth straight gold in men's basketball.
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Australia #5 Patty Mills scored 15points with three 3-pointers and two free throws. This Australia's offensive spark struggled with All-NBA defensive star USA #12 Jrue Holiday on him, ending with 15 points on 15 attempts.
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Team USA was led by #7 Kevin Durant, who scored 23 points with one 3-pointer and two free throws, a total of nine rebounds, two assist, two steals and one blocked shots.
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Followed by USA #15 Devin Booker, who scored 20 with three 3-pointers and three free throws, total of three rebounds, one assist, one steals and one blocked shots.
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It was terrifying for the Australians in the press tribune, when USA #7 Kevin Durant jump-shot fell in after 10 seconds. Australia #7 Joe Ingles sank two three-pointers in under a minute to give Australia a 6-2 lead.
The Boomers led 24-18 and were sticking to the plan: defend, rebound, and exploit the US defense when it wasn't set.
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The Boomers scored only four more points in the first half as errors cost them points and Team USA's offence finally got rolling. Before USA #15 Devin Booker's corner triple, the United States had missed their first ten threes of the game. After 20 minutes of near-perfect Boomers basketball, Australia's advantage was shrunk to three points at 45-42 at halftime.
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The US carried a 74-55 advantage into the fourth quarter, a mountain much too steep to climb for an Australian squad that never gave up.
The loser of the second semi-final between France and Slovenia will now face Australia.
United States (USA) 97 - 78 (AUS) Australia
18 [Quarter1] 24
24 [Quarter2] 21
32 [Quarter3] 10
23 [Quarter4] 23
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Current Tournament summary
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