Boomers rested best players and fell away in second half to lose to Angola…
Slovenia guard Goran Dragic has slammed Australia for their strategy against Angola in order to avoid Team USA until the semi-finals of the tournament.
While the Boomers will argue that they were merely being ‘opportunistic’, essentially Dragic’s anger stems from the Australians’ decision to rest key players against Angola while also seemingly rushing jumpers and conceding lay-ups to see a 13-point half-time lead end up in an eight-point loss.
As a result, Australia finished third in the group which means that they will now avoid USA until the semi-finals, but coupled with Slovenia’s loss to Lithuania, Dragic’s team will now potentially face the Americans if both win over the weekend in the Round of 16.
It is unlikely that Dragic’s comments would have gone down well with the organisers and FIBA, and it remains to be seen whether or not he is called up on it. However, his frustration is understandable to an extent, although the Aussies did nothing against the rules and were merely looking after their own interests.
Basketball is a beautiful sport, there is no room for fixing the game like today Australia vs Angola!! @FIBA should do something about that!
— Goran Dragic (@Goran_Dragic) September 4, 2014
Nevertheless, it is clear that no team wishes to play Team USA until absolutely necessary given the fact that their tournament is more than likely going to end in that clash.
The Americans, along with hosts Spain and Greece have been impressive throughout the pool stage, and Dragic will have himself to blame after shooting just 5-of-14 from the floor on Thursday night as he clearly lost his focus which affecting his team’s chances.
However, the Slovenian star is still averaging 17.4 points per game on 60.7 percent shooting in the tournament thus far, and now that he has a little added motivation, it could spell trouble for his rivals.
COMMENTS