Australia (1-0) opened its 2024 Paris Olympic basketball tournament campaign victoriously.

The Boomers beat Spain (0-1) 92-80 (31-21, 18-21, 20-18, 23-20), securing a crucial win in Group A.

Australia made the decisive run in the 3rd quarter. Patty Mills and Jack McVeigh made two 3-pointers, Jock Landale added a hook shot, while the Boomers went on a 15-3 run to restore a double-digit lead (69-59).

Spain tried to comeback in the 4th quarter, but couldn't make a strong run and only managed to cut the Boomers lead to 5 points at one point (68-73).

Nevertheless, soon after Mills and Landale made buckets, McVeigh nailed a 3-pointer, and the Boomers increased their lead to 11 points, which was enough until the end of the game.

Landale led the charge for Australia, finishing the game with 20 points (9/14 FG, 1/1 3PT, 1/1 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, and 28 EFF. The Houston Rockets forward also had a game-high +/- of +30.

Jock Landale had 20 points and 9 rebounds for the Boomers

Credit FIBA

Santi Aldama had a superb performance for Spain, finishing the game with 27 points (6/12 FG, 6/8 3PT, 9/10 FT), 5 rebounds, and 26 PIR.

Australia began the game much better, as Dyson Daniels made a floater, Giddey scored 7 points in a row and the Boomers went on a 17-7 run to gain a 14-point lead (31-17).

Nevertheless, Spain answered with its own run in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 5 points (36-41), and the game was close ever since.

Josh Giddey was close to a triple-double in a win vs. Spain

Credit FIBA

The game also involved some history as Rudy Fernandez became the first basketball player to make 6th appearance in the Summer Olympics.

Up next, the Boomers will face Canada, while Spain play against Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece.

Australia: Jock Landale 20 (8/13 2PT, 9 REB, 28 EFF), Patty Mills 19 (6/12 FG), Josh Giddey 17 (7/12 FG, 8 REB, 8 AST, 20 EFF), Dyson Daniels 13 (7 REB), Jack McVeigh 13 (3/6 3PT).

Australia Basketball Olympics 2024 schedule