Goran Dragic Calls Out Australia

Apr 14, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) looks down against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies won 97-91. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic called out Australia for fixing their game in the FIBA World Cup on Twitter, this afternoon.

He is right, though, Australia did “rest” key players in Thursday afternoons game against Angolia. But he is probably more mad that Australia put Slovenia in a bind.

NBC Sports breaks down the issue,

"“Australia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Angola are all in Group D of the World Cup (along with Mexico and Korea). The top four teams out of the pool advance to the single-elimination knockout stage that starts Saturday in Barcelona (which is a straight 16-team tournament).This is the key: In the knockout round Group D matches up with the USA’s Group C in the bottom half of the bracket. What teams in Group D want to do is avoid the USA as long as possible, so they want to finish first or third in the group (then they don’t see the USA until the semifinals, if you’re second in Group D you’ll get the USA in the quarterfinals). Even if you lose in the semifinals you get to play for the bronze medal.Going into Thursday Slovenia was atop Group D at 4-0, with Australia and Lithuania tied for second/third at 3-1, however Australia was the two seed having the tiebreaker after beating Lithuania.On Thursday at the half Australia is up by 10 at the half over Angola and realizes if they win this game they will finish second in Group D no matter what. So the Australian coach benches everybody good — I’d call that “going the full Popovich” except the Spurs often win those benching games. Then the rest of Australia’s guys play just sloppy, terrible basketball in the second half. Angola is motivated because with a win they have a chance to make the knockout stage (if Mexico loses to Korea). Angola comes from behind and wins.”"

Things would have been different if Australia had won because Lithuania will likely lose this afternoon. Things are now resting on the Slovenia to beat Lithuania. The winner will win the group and will avoid the USA plus gets an easier first-round game Saturday.

If Lithuania wins Slovenia slides to the dreaded second seed and Goran Dragic has to go up against Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose and the USA in the quarterfinals — and remember the USA beat Slovenia by 30 in an exhibition.

So, Goran Dragic was justified in his tweet. Call them out, they tanked.

For all of the latest Phoenix Suns news, stick with us at Heat Waved and check back daily to read more about your favorite Arizona teams.