Boomers defeat Spain in first mens basketball Group A match [Video]

The Boomers have survived a fiery Spanish foul-fest to exact some Olympic revenge and notch a crucial first-up Games win.

Australia’s Tokyo bronze medallists won 92-80 in Lille on Saturday, with Josh Giddey (17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists) and Jock Landale (20 points, nine rebounds) starring as Dante Exum (dislocated finger) sat out.

A new-look Spain don’t have Pau Gasol or Ricky Rubio, who tormented Australia in legacy-defining wins at the 2016 Olympics and 2019 World Cup respectively.

But their Paris encounter showed the rivalry will live on in the next generation, with tempers flaring in what was essentially a must-win game in a pool also featuring medal hopes Canada and Greece.

Australia started brilliantly, with Dyson Daniels (13 points, seven rebounds) effective at both ends, Giddey hitting two long triples and selection bolter Jack McVeigh …