Boomers warm up for Paris Olympics with ‘friendly’ win over China – as Aussie NBA star headbutts rival
- Baby boomers beat China in Olympic friendly
- Jack McVeigh shone for the Australian team
- Duo Reath appeared to headbutt a rival player
Jack McVeigh gave his Olympic hopes a major boost with his stunning performance in the friendly between the Boomers and China (107-87).
While some of Australia’s biggest names took it easy, McVeigh gave it his all during Tuesday night’s practice match in Melbourne.
The 6-foot-1 forward exploded in the second and third quarters, making six of eight three-pointers for a team-high 24 points.
Duo Reath (21 points, six rebounds), Xavier Cooks (10 points, seven rebounds, six assists) and Chris Goulding (14 points) also reached double figures.
Goulding made four of seven three-pointers in a strong second half and played his part well off the bench.
Tempers flared in the fourth quarter when Reath was involved in an ugly incident with Runwang Du, losing his cool during a confrontation and appearing to headbutt his opponent.
Du fell to the ground in a theatrical manner, while Reath committed an unsportsmanlike foul.
“I love watching him play. He brings energy,” McVeigh said of Reath.
βHe’s a passionate guy and it’s fun to be on the pitch with him.β
NBL star Jack McVeigh (pictured) was the standout player for the Boomers
Patty Mills and NBA colleague Josh Giddey (pictured) both started in the starting five
McVeigh headlined his return to John Cain Arena, where he dominated the NBL Championship Series, leading Tasmania to their first title in March, as he chases a ticket for what would be his first Olympic Games appearance.
βI feel like that’s what I do; I support myself,β McVeigh said of his standout performance.
‘At this point it’s still up to the coaches, but I’m just trying to make it a win and help the Boomers win a medal.
‘I’m not high right now. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
‘I’m going to training tomorrow and I’m going to go for it. We have another match on Thursday.
‘If I’m included in the team, I’ll be completely ready to go to Paris.
“I love playing basketball and I’m grateful to be able to do it here.”
Boomers captain Patty Mills and NBA colleague Josh Giddey both started against China in front of 8,142 fans, but each played less than 10 minutes and sat out the entire second half.
China and the baby boomers meet again on Thursday evening for a friendly match
Josh Green and Dante Exum sat out after playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals last month. Jock Landale was also absent.
China took an early lead when Sanning Lioa scored the first seven points and the visitors led 32-25 at halftime thanks to five of seven shots from long range.
But McVeigh scored 10 points in the second period and 13 in the first half to give the home team a 51-48 lead at halftime.
Goulding got himself into the game with three 3-pointers in a dominant third period for the Boomers, who took an 81-64 lead with one quarter to play.
The Boomers scored 13 of 14 players (Mills was the only one absent) and made eight shots from long range.
Liao was China’s best player with 26 points from 11 of 16 shots, the highest total of the match.
The teams will play each other again on Thursday evening in Melbourne.
Earlier at John Cain Arena, the Rollers defeated Japan 59-52 in the men’s wheelchair competition, while Australia’s men’s and women’s 3×3 teams defeated China.
The Gliders were defeated 45-38 by Japan in their women’s wheelchair competition.