Mavs WATCH: Dante Exum Australia Highlights vs. Finland
OKINAWA, Japan — Using a second-half surge, Australia achieved a 98-72 victory over Lauri Markkanen and Finland to open the team's Group E competition in part of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Among the Dallas Mavericks' representatives in the match was recent free agency addition Dante Exum. He finished with 10 points and four assists, with most of his damage being done in the third quarter to help Australia create necessary separation over Finland.
"It's the same as Patty [Mills]: it's what we expect from him now," Joe Ingles said of Exum. "He's brought it really well the last 18 months. Injuries were something he was dealing with, getting his body right, but I think he's got himself in a really good spot.”
Ingles continued: "He knows what to do to be ready for a game, and defensively and offensively he's been huge for us over the last 12 months."
Watch Exum's full highlights from his performance against Finland in the embedded video below. Check back with DallasBasketball.com more highlights and analysis throughout the World Cup.
Exum signed a two-year, $6.2 million contract with the Mavs in free agency, adding perimeter depth to a group led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With Exum's added size in recent years, he could play multiple positions on the wing, including the three spot.
The improved jump shooting paired with guard skills to create out of ball screens, when playing off the catch, and in transition, make for an intriguing player. He has the physical intangibles to enhance a switching scheme, while also being quick and long enough to navigate screens.
The next match for Australia will take place on Sunday, Aug. 27, against Germany.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here. Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.
