It’s win or bust for the Boomers when the Men’s Basketball finals begin on Day 11 at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.

Five time Olympian, former Australian Team flag bearer and dual NBA and NBL champion, Andrew Gaze, previews the Boomers crucial match up with Serbia, on a day when the world’s best basketballers take to the court across four quarter finals. 

9Network basketball expert, Andrew Gaze, said: “With the greatest player in the world, Nikola Jokic, at their disposal, Serbia presents a huge challenge for the Boomers to overcome in the quarter finals.” Said Gaze, 

“We managed to beat Serbia in the lead up games, however they were minus another one of their attack weapons sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic, who dropped 30 points in their last game.

“Jokic’s diverse skill set presents threats in every area of the court, so it’s crucial that we defend him as a collective, which is easier said than done.

“Despite their NBA superstars, the Boomers have shown enough in this tournament to be competitive regardless of what the scoreboard has reflected in their two group game losses. The international basketball community regards Australia as one of the most talented teams at the Olympics and for good reason.

“It’s been more so poor execution with offence that has led to our issues with conceding points, and it was a slow start against Greece last start that cost us in the end.

“Jock Landale has a big night ahead of him in the paint, but we can’t fall into the trap of focusing too much on one area, or Serbia will make us pay on the scoreboard. We have the talent to win but it will be a total team effort.

“I know Patty Mills will have everyone fired up, and we won’t be taking a backward step. This is going to be a very interesting game.”

Straight after the Boomers, global icons Lebron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant will be out to put on a show when they take on Brazil. 

Men’s Basketball Quarter finals – Paris 2024
Germany v Greece (7.00pm AEST)
Australia v Serbia (10.30pm AEST)
France v Canada  (2.00am AEST)
Brazil v USA (5.30am AEST)

Gaze is joined by Brenton Speed in commentary, with exclusive access to the stadium for the 9Network and 9Now.

LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9, 9GEM AND 9NOW 
EVERY OLYMPIC EVENT STREAMED LIVE AND FREE
WITH REPLAYS AND EVERY BIG AUSTRALIAN MOMENT ON 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Senior Publicist & Digital Manager – Sport
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au

Alessandra Muratore
Senior Publicist
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager
amotte@nine.com.au

Tuesday, August 6, 2024