Rio 2016: Boomers Almost Beat America (But Bogut Remains Bummed); Teen Chalmers Gets Gold In 100m Freestyle

Australia almost proved themselves to be the Dream Team’s nightmare in Rio today, coming this close* to defeating America’s Olympic basketball squad.

(*You have to imagine us holding our thumb and forefinger together very closely.)

The Boomers, coming off a surprise first round victory over France, led by five points at half-time, but the US, captained by four-time Olympian Carmelo Anthony, came back to win 98-88.

Historic night for #AUS basketball! The #Boomers have given #USA an almighty scare but have gone down 98-88 #Rio2016 https://t.co/ZYCGsORd0S

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 10, 2016

Anthony alone could boast of 31 points, including nine three-pointers (four of which arrived in the last quarter).

Nonetheless, the world – and especially Australia – went wild over the Boomers near-defeat of America’s troupe; a team that also includes NBA stars Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

.@ecambage can't believe how quality this #AUS v #USA #Basketball match is! #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/I1Mem2ExME

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 10, 2016

It's been a long time coming. Is today the day #AUS finally gets their revenge against #USA? #Basketball #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/ffj2QfvOJx

— Tony Broderick (@brod) August 10, 2016

Australia’s own Andrew Bogut, who has played alongside and against many of these Yanks in the NBA, was unwilling to pat his teammates on the back, saying after the match, “you don't get s*** for small victories or moral victories."

US coach Mike Krzyzewski, however, was willing to heap compliments upon his opponents, ABC News reports.

"We beat a heck of team tonight," he said.

"They just played, I think, 'lights out' basketball."

Though the Boomers are down, they’re not out, with China and Venezuela still to come.

Here’s hoping for a gold medal rematch, especially now that we know United States hackers may have been behind #Censusfail. This time, it’s personal.

Elsewhere at the Olympics, teenage swimmer Kyle Chalmers became the first Aussie to win the 100m freestyle since 1968.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, at 18 and 46 days he is now our youngest swimming champion at an Olympic Games since Ian Thorpe in 2000.

KING KYLE! Kyle Chalmers #AUS wins GOLD in the men's 100m freestyle! #Swimming #Rio2016 https://t.co/Hrf5kDLJHW

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 11, 2016

Chalmers’ victory brings Australia’s gold medal tally to five, leaving us trailing only the United States, China and Japan.

The moment that makes it worth it. #Rio2016 #Swimming pic.twitter.com/l88YR86aDS

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 11, 2016

More tomorrow, obviously.

Photo: Twitter / 7 Olympics.