The 63-59 victory over the world champion Opals is believed to be the first time the New Zealand women's national team has beaten Australia.
Bates, a dual cricket and basketball international, said the win was a major confidence boost ahead of the Beijing Olympics in China later this year.
"It is the first time since I've been involved with the team that, before the game, we actually believed we could win,'' she said.
"I think it was a huge step for us to stay close with them and then finish it off.
"I guess we've always expected to lose to them even though they don't always play their strongest team. Knowing we can't beat them... lets us know we can compete with any team in the world.''
Bates played just 3min in the first half of a defence-oriented game but played the last 5min when the game was on the line.
"It was pretty cool to be on and help close out the game.''
The Tall Ferns gave the highly-fancied United States team a run for its money and stayed with eventual tournament winner China for much of the match.
Fellow Otago Basketball Antonia Edmondson was also on the trip and had a strong game against China, Bates said.
Both are part of a 14-strong Olympic squad which will be pruned to 12. Bates ditched cricket this summer to focus on her Olympic aspirations.
"Whatever happens I feel like I'll have no regrets. I think I've done everything I can and whether I make the team or not I'm happy with the decisions I've made.
"Moving up to Christchurch [to play with the Christchurch Sirens] was probably one of the best decisions, because I was able to play in the Australian league.''
Bates was impressed with what she saw in China and the progress Beijing was making. The Good Luck tournament was a trial run for the Olympics in August and Bates gave the basketball venue the thumbs up.
"We thought it would not be set up but the basketball stadium was one of the best I've seen.''
The Bird's Nest "looked like an UFO'' and the much talked about air pollution was not a problem.
"It [China] looked a lot cleaner than I was expecting. I guess playing inside helps but I don't think the girls had any complaints when they got out and about.''
