After a promising start, the might of Team USA was too much for the Boomers.
The Australians led by 15 points early in the second quarter and looked to have full control, not that the 97-78 final scoreline would show that.
Kevin Durant was the destroyer, scoring 23 points, while Devin Booker dominated the second half with 20 points.
Jrue Holiday’s lockdown defence on Patty Mills was crucial and the Bucks star helped steady the offence when the Aussies got on top early.
The Boomers led 41-26 after a strong start to the second quarter before Team USA settled down and began to take control.
They went on a 16-4 run to close the half to only trail by three points at the break, taking advantage of turnovers and getting to the rim.
The U.S hit two of their 13 threes in the first half, while the Aussies shot 47 per cent from their 15 attempts.
That dominant American run continued into the second half as they scored 20 unanswered points. Kevin Durant took complete control, scoring 23 points in just over a half.
Without Ben Simmons, the Boomers had no natural guard for Durant and left Matisse Thybulle off the court for far too long as the avalanche hit.
The third quarter got out of hand quickly, with the Aussies only managing 10 points as the Americans piled on 32.
They dominated on the boards, taking full advantage of the absence of Aron Baynes, and knocked down their threes.
The sting went out of the game early in the fourth quarter and coach Brian Goorjian pulled the Australian starters with four minutes left on the clock, waving the white flag and preparing to focus on the pursuit of bronze.
The Boomers will take on either France or Slovenia on Saturday night with a spot on the podium still up for grabs.
The new goal is bronze. Most of us will likely be locked down. Almost EVERYBODY can watch the Boomers second attempt to make history!
— Chris Anstey (@ChrisAnstey13) August 5, 2021