Men's basketball preview: 3 things to watch for in USA-Australia
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The United States will face their first stiff test of the Rio 2016 when they take on an undefeated Australian team in their third game of the round robin.
Both teams, chock full of NBA talent, are off to 2-0 starts following landslide victories. This game will almost certainly decide the winner of Group A.
Here's three things to know about Wednesday's game.
No fear from the Aussies
This won't be the overmatched Chinese or the plucky Venezuelans. More than half of Australia's roster has NBA experience, and four members of the team have won a championship ring in the last three years.
The Aussies won't scare easily, and that's the first step to competing with the Americans. The likes of Andrew Bogut, Aron Baynes, Patty Mills, and Matthew Dellavedova have played against Team USA's superstars on the biggest stage in the Finals - they're not shy.
"Teams who ask the Americans to autograph their shoes are beaten before the game begins. But that's not us and we think we can win," center Bogut said Monday.
Australia will still be massive underdogs heading into the match, but having beaten stalwarts France and Serbia by a combined 36 points, they're the hottest team in the world outside of Team USA.
Bogut's resurgence
In what might be Bogut's last stand for his country, the hulking man in the middle recovered from a knee injury just in time for the Olympics. And so far, he might be the player of the tournament.
The 31-year-old has scored 27 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, dished out 11 assists, and recorded five blocks while shooting 12-of-14 from the field in two games. He's anchored Australia's defense while also picking teams apart as a playmaker out of the high post.
If Bogut can stay out of foul trouble, he'll be a load to handle for Team USA's centers. He's already torched the likes of Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert.
Halfcourt focus
Save for some tense moments early on against Venezuela, it's been a parade of highlight dunks for Team USA. They've forced opponents into 37 turnovers and have been absolutely relentless in terms of pushing the pace.
Australia won't stand a chance in the open court and they'll rack up fouls far too quickly if they allow the Americans to run. They have to keep them in a halfcourt game, while keeping turnovers to a minimum.
Bogut and Dellavedova will be crucial in this regard. Bogut needs to hold his own on the defensive glass, while Dellavedova has to take care of the basketball.