Josh Giddey vs Lauri Markkanen – Who Will Come Out on Top in First Matchup of FIBA World Cup 2023?

The 2023 FIBA World Cup is set to kick off in style with a star-studded matchup. The most anticipated event of the summer will witness two giants of the basketball world clash in the very first game. Team Australia will lock horns with Team Finland to begin their quest for the coveted gold medal. Interestingly, this game will witness two NBA superstars take on one another as well. Josh Giddey of Team Australia will face 2023 NBA Most Improved Player, Lauri Markkanen representing team Finland.

Although the two stars have faced each other multiple times in the NBA, representing their nation will need them to put their best skills on display. So, who will prevail in this high-stakes matchup? Here’s a rundown of the stats that back each of these players.

Josh Giddey FIBA stats

Josh Giddey has emerged as The Boomers’ primary point guard. Despite his young age, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard has impressed the world with his phenomenal playmaking skills. However, have his numbers backed him? Here’s a look at the 20-year-old’s FIBA statistics so far.

Josh Giddey represented The Boomers for the first time in 2021 as they participated in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. He played only one game in this tournament but put up terrific numbers in the game. He scored 11 points and dished out 6 assists against Team Hong Kong to help Team Australia secure a win and advance in the tournament.

Furthermore, the Thunder guard has impressed at the FIBA World Cup exhibition games so far as well, racking up phenomenal numbers. He also showed out in the game against Team France where he put up 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, leading The Boomers to a 78-74 win.

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Giddey makes a strong case to prevail over his NBA counterpart, Lauri Markkanen. However, the Finnisher is no less of a threat on the international stage.

Lauri Markkanen FIBA stats

Lauri Markkanen is comparatively a much more seasoned star on the international stage. The 26-year-old has played several FIBA tournaments in the past, leading his nation to greater heights. The Utah Jazz forward’s numbers too reflect his phenomenal impact on Team Finland.

Markkanen holds a staggering career average of 21.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG and 1.8 APG. He had a remarkable run at the FIBA Eurobasket tournament in 2022, putting up an incredible average of 27.9 PPG. He has also been a consistent performer for Team Finland at other FIBA tournaments, appearing in a total of 18 FIBA games in the Senior Men’s division.

Lauri Markkanen has a major task ahead of him as he tries to lead an underdog Finland side to the gold medal. Australia on the other hand are major favorites, with the likes of Patty Mills and Australian legend, Joe Ingles supporting their young superstar, Josh Giddey.

While Giddey will try to prove his worth on the international stage, Markkanen will look to maintain his reputation from earlier FIBA events. However, it would be interesting to see who takes an advantage over the other.

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Who will have the upper hand in this intense matchup? Which nation will secure their first win in the tournament? Share your picks in the comments below!