Australia vs. Lithuania, Olympic basketball 2016 final score: Aussies dominate in opening quarterfinal game

Australia turned the opening game of the Olympic quarterfinals into a snoozer, trampling over Lithuania in a 90-64 victory. It was a statement victory composed of equal parts Australian excellence and Lithuanian impotence. It also cemented Australia’s status as the top challenger to Team USA.

The ramped-up intensity of the knockout stages was evident from the first minute of the game. Australia drew two charges within the first 70 seconds, creating hesitation in would-be drivers for Lithuania. It was a sign of things to come for an Australian team that did just about everything right on both ends of the court.

Between Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills, Australia’s guards routinely abused porous perimeter defense from Lithuania, and the perpetual movement of their teammates led to a series of open layups and jumpers. Mills led the way with 24 points for the Aussies, including 16 in a scintillating first half.

Credit is due to Australia’s defense, but Lithuania struggled to get out of its own way, coughing up the ball early and often against the Boomers. Their lack of a plus playmaker at the guard spots was exposed over their last few games in Rio, and that was further amplified against a disciplined Australia team.

The Europeans were able to hang in thanks to some nifty work on the offensive glass — sort of surprising given Australia’s size in the paint — but it wasn’t enough to offset the rest of their problems. They weren’t good enough at defending their three-point line, they weren’t good enough executing on offense, and those hurdles proved impossible to overcome.

Turnovers tell the story of the game. Lithuania had 13 turnovers by halftime, a stark contrast to Australia’s nine total turnovers. Too many of Lithuania’s turnovers came on unforced errors, several passes that should have been converted into open layups bounced off the hands of Lithuanian cutters, mistakes they couldn’t afford even on their best day.

A slow start to the third quarter threatened to let Lithuania inch back into the game, but those unforced errors allowed the Australians to retain a comfortable lead even as the offense sputtered. The combination of Australia’s tireless, physical defense and Lithuania’s listless play was enough to prevent a rapid comeback.

By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, this game was already over. The Australians will move on, set to play the winner of Croatia vs. Serbia.

Team USA’s struggles at the Rio Olympics were first made apparent by the boys from down under. It was easy to chalk up that performance to American apathy, but the Boomers are making a case that they need to be taken as a serious threat.

The hallmarks of the Australian team — scrappiness on defense, quick ball movement and cutting, tons of threes — have become apparent as the tournament progresses. They are a team with a distinct identity and a set of players totally bought in to the concept.

If Team USA watched any of this one, they should be taking special note of Australia’s constant cutting across the baseline. Off-ball defense has been a major problem for the Americans in Rio, and their potential gold-medal opponent would love to take advantage of it.

A 3-0 start for Lithuania at the Olympics had plenty excited about watching them play in the knockout stages. Perhaps that needs some rethinking after the beatdown they received at the hands of the Aussies.

In retrospect, Lithuania’s three wins came against the weaker competition in their group, while games against threats like Australia and Spain ended in massive blowouts. Had the schedule broken differently, we probably would have seen them for what they are — a mediocre team just good enough to beat the bad teams in their group.

Bogut may have been cast aside in order to create space for Kevin Durant in Golden State, but his play in the Olympics is a reminder of how valuable he is. For anyone who forgot he’s more than just a rim protector, the Rio Olympics have served as a reminder that he was once considered one of the brightest young talents in the world.

Tasked as the hub of his team on offense and defense, Bogut has been thriving as an interior passer and roll man. He’s a lot more creative in international play than he has a chance to be in the NBA, and seeing Bogut thrive has me feeling nostalgic for his pre-injury stint as the face of the Milwaukee Bucks. Enjoy his time in the spotlight while you can.