Basketball On The Internet.

AUSTRALIA’s Opals succumbed to a 104-89 USA onslaught today at famed Madison Square Garden but the good news was Andrew Bogut returned to the floor for the Boomers in their win over China.

The question-mark over Bogey has been huge since he severely injured his left knee in Golden State’s Game 5 Loss to Cleveland in the NBA’s Championship Series and it appears with the Olympics around the corner, it was time for the 213cm anchor of the Boomers’ defence to give it a test run.

Bogut started and played just 9:25 for three rebounds and two shots but now the wait will be on to see how he pulls up.

His mere presence in the lineup – Patty Mills was rested – sparked a 7-0 start by the Aussies and a second 16-0 spurt in the third made this one academic, the Boomers winning 82-53.

Australia’s 22-8 third period was huge, Joe Ingles (pictured below) continuing his impressive form with a game-high 21 points at 75 per cent, with six rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Kevin Lisch was next with 11 (including 2-of-2 threes) as 11 players scored, Matthew Dellavedova and Damian Martin with five assists apiece and Ryan Broekhoff with seven rebounds.

The only other concern beyond how Bogey pulls up was a cut to the cheek of Aron Baynes but Boomers officials dismissed it as minor.

At New York’s famed Madison Square Garden, the Opals opened with a flurry, Erin Phillips, Penny Taylor, Liz Cambage and Leilani Mitchell leading an opening run that powered Ausdtralia to a stunning 17-11 lead over the defending World and Olympic champion USA.

But once Elena Delle Donne came off the US bench, the game turned immediately. The star forward quickly rattled off eight points as the Americans stepped up to lead 28-25 at the first break.

Their bench depth again showed as they pulled away to a double-digit lead in the second before Mitchell – who had 16 points by halftime – rallied Australia back to 48-54 by that break.

After the resumption though, it was Diana Taurasi’s time to turn on a clinic, hitting shots from outside and on the drive as the USA seized control for keeps.

Foul woes for Cambage and Mitchell didn’t help the cause, much of the officiating one way which, given the depth and strength of the American team – Brianna Stewart was close to their last sub – was truly unnecessary.

Cambage still led Australia – her battle with Britney Griner fun to watch – with 22 points and eight rebounds – while Mitchell finished with 18 at a wicked 75 per cent.

Taylor also grabbed eight boards and Tessa Lavey dished five assists as the Opals got a first-hand look at what the challenge in Rio will be to steal Gold.

Taurasi had 20, Delle Donne 19, Griner 15 while Maya Moore had 13 points with six assists.

Australia has to find a foil for Delle Donne, whose 17 first-half points on 6-of-6 shooting was back-breaking in this highly entertaining clash between FIBA's top two ranked women's national teams.