Men's basketball: Three takeaways from Spain vs. Australia

Spain and Australia faced off in Saturday's opening men's basketball game of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Led by Josh Giddey and Jock Landale, Australia were able to secure a victory over a spirited Spanish team.

Here are three major takeaways from a highly competitive game.

1. Spain must improve rebounding 

Not only did Spain allow 14 offensive rebounds, it was also outworked on the defensive glass, losing 31-21. Overall, Australia secured 13 more boards than their counterparts while also winning the second chance points battle 15-8. 

Spain must find a way to control the glass and secure rebounds if it wants a chance at progressing in the tournament. Australia hustled to match Spain's physicality and reaped the rewards. Now, Spain must go back to the drawing board in search of ways to create advantages moving forward.

2. Dyson Daniels could be a defensive standout of the tournament

Throughout the game, Spain struggled to deal with Daniels' exceptional perimeter defense. His high pick-up points and versatility when switching on the perimeter gave Spain's playmakers significant trouble throughout the game and limited their ability to penetrate and force rotations. 

Daniels has rapidly built himself a reputation for his work on the defensive end with the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks earlier this summer. The Hawks should be impressed and encouraged by his stifling performance on Saturday. 

3. The Josh Giddey & Jock Landale pairing is a serious weapon

The two-man game between Giddey and Landale carved Spain's defense on countless occasions. Giddey is among the best playmaking guards in the world. His effort to secure rebounds and control the tempo of games ensures that he's always in the thick of the action. Landale was consistently rewarded for his smart screening and well-timed rolls toward the rim. 

If team's can't figure out how to slow down Giddey and Landale when they're working in tandem, Australia will be a tough outfit to beat throughout the Olympic tournament.