Before they become teammates this season, two of the newest additions to the Phoenix Suns competed in the FIBA World Cup semi-finals. In the end, Spain bested Australia, giving Ricky Rubio bragging rights over Aron Baynes.
While you were sleeping, Phoenix Suns newcomers Ricky Rubio and Aron Baynes battled it out in the FIBA World Cup semi-finals in what was arguably the best game of the tournament.
After a dramatic ending, Ricky Rubio claimed victory over his new NBA teammate, Aron Baynes, as his Spanish national team topped the Aussies in double overtime by a score of 95-88.
I can only hope there was an off-the-court, friendly wager made between these two before the game. I’m not talking about a monetary bet, but one of those loser-gets-embarrassed bets.
Perhaps Rubio had to dress like a kangaroo if he lost, and Baynes had to run with the bulls.
On second thought, the latter is probably more embarrassing for the bulls.
Baynes would end up chasing them.
Rubio finished the game with 19 points, along with a team-high 12 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. Baynes contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block for Australia.
Rubio looked sharp all game, making some incredible passes that will have Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Phoenix Suns fans salivating for the upcoming season.
He also rimmed out a half-court shot at the end of regulation that would have caused an eruption loud enough to wake up everyone from Spain to Phoenix.
Seriously. Watch full the highlights and notice the crowd. The Chinese are basketball fanatics.
Baynes didn’t have a huge statistical showing but made his rather large presence felt throughout his 26 minutes of action. He also knocked down a clutch 3 in the closing minutes of the second overtime.
Perhaps the most eye-catching moment of the day from a Phoenix Suns perspective came when Rubio foolishly took a charge from Baynes in the paint.
When it comes to who I’d least rather take a charge from on the Suns roster, Aron Baynes ranks number one, two, and three, so props to Rubio for hanging in there and taking that massive elbow to the face.
It was ultimately a bad call because Rubio’s heels were in the restricted area, but I’m guessing the referee just felt bad for Ricky and gave him the whistle.
Regardless, there was definitely no flopping here. That is Sun on Sun crime.
Spain will now play the Fighting Luis Scola‘s of Argentina in the Finals while Australia will take on the USA-upsetters, France, in the third place game.
Although Ricky won this battle, he still has a way to go to catch Baynes in the battle of beards. Only time will tell how that competition will play out.