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IF Tasmania JackJumpers' NBL championship-winning forward Jack McVeigh last night failed to book a ticket on the Australian men's team for the Paris Olympic Games, there needs to be a Royal Commission into why not? The exciting small forward produced 13 sizzling minutes and 24 points as the Boomers blitzed China 107-87.

If that's not value-for-time-played then there will be nothing more he can do in tomorrow night's second clash with China at Melbourne's John Cain Arena.

Put simply, he was breath-taking, seizing his moment in the 14-man squad Boomers coach Brian Goorjian used against a spirited, youthful Chinese outfit.

Dallas Mavericks championship series duo Josh Green and Dante Exum, along with NBA centre/forward Jock Landale of the 17-man squad, did not suit for Game 1, Green overnight traded to Charlotte Hornets as the Mavs signed Golden State Warriors shooter Klay Thompson.

Goorjian chose to study his squad's wannabes, giving starters Patty Mills and Josh Giddey eight and seven minutes respectively as China jumped away early, enjoying a double-digit lead in a 32-point first quarter that included a morale-boosting long-range buzzer-beater.

Duop Reath (21 points at 67 per cent, 2-of-3 threes, six rebounds, two blocks) emerged as a big influence but it was McVeigh's entry into the game which turned it around by halftime.

He swished his first 3-pointer, a confident open look in transition, and he was on his way, adding 10 points in the second period, Australia outscoring China 26-16, McVeigh with 13 at the half.

From there, he broke the game open, his last basket in an 11-point outburst building the Boomers' lead into double figures at 70-60 and from there the Aussies flourished.

Matthew Dellavedova's entry into the game for the second half appreciably lifted Australia's defensive attitude and aptitude, and Chris Goulding, perhaps inspired by McVeigh's showing, quickly delivered 14 points at 63 per cent, with 4-of-7 threes.

Goorjian allowed Xavier Cooks (at 25) the most minutes, his 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, accompanied by seven rebounds and six assists.

Veteran Joe Ingles saw the next most time with 20 minutes, making his presence felt but like another vet, Nick Kay, while he had some very good moments, their spots are under scrutiny.

Dejan Vasiljevic (1-of-7) looked as if he was trying too hard to impress - understandable - and both Jack White and Dyson Daniels failed to make much of an impression.

Will Magnay did not hurt his chances but may still need to show more tomorrow to be boarding a plane to Paris.

Matisse Thybulle snaring four steals also was fun to watch. It was just unfortunate his Portland Trailblazers teammate Reath had a minor sideline altercation with China's Runwang Du in the last quarter.

Du was getting in Reath's face, the latter then pushing it into Du's who had one of the sport's wonderous "delayed reactions" before tumbling to the floor.

Venue replays had the crowd in full laughter mode, and word is even Mick Pennisi said the reaction was over the top.

As for McVeigh? With 24 points at a team-best 69 per cent, including 6-of-8 threes, he certainly made a bold statement.

His focus, attitude, composure and work ethic to get where he is really should see him rewarded with a spot in the final 12.

GAME 1: AUSTRALIA BOOMERS 107 (McVeigh 24, Reath 21, Goulding 14, Cooks 10; Cooks 7 rebs; Dellavedova 7 assts) d CHINA 87 (Liao 26, Wang 18, Yu 12; Du, Zhu 4 rebs; Du 3 assts) at John Cain Arena. Crowd: 8,142