Illustration of Team USA Basketball Fends Off Australia in Pre-Olympics Showdown

Team USA Basketball Fends Off Australia in Pre-Olympics Showdown

Team USA Basketball overcame a late push from Australia to clinch its second exhibition game win as the team continues preparing for the Olympics.

In their first game of the USA Basketball Showcase in Las Vegas, the United States defeated Canada 86-72 on Wednesday. On Monday, they narrowly defeated the Australian Boomers 98-92 in a thrilling match that got tight near the end.

Australia highlighted Team USA’s weaknesses in the fourth quarter with a tough defensive effort, causing turnovers and missed shots. However, critical shooting from Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker helped the U.S. maintain their lead and secure the victory.

The Team USA roster will play a total of five games together during the showcase before the 2024 Paris Olympics begin. After two games in Abu Dhabi, the team will compete in London before starting the Olympics on July 28.

Here’s how Team USA edged out Australia in the pre-Olympics warm-up.

Meet Team USA: See which athletes made the U.S. Olympic team and where they are from

Team USA vs. Australia highlights

When does Team USA basketball play next?

The United States will face Serbia in Abu Dhabi in their third USA Basketball Showcase exhibition game on Wednesday, July 17. The game starts at noon ET and will air on FS1.

United States defeats Australia 98-92

Clutch free-throw shooting from Booker kept the U.S. ahead despite Australia’s late comeback attempt. Team USA wins its second game of the USA Basketball Showcase and will remain in Abu Dhabi to play Serbia on Wednesday.

Jock Landale keeps Australia’s hopes alive

Landale scored a quick basket on an inbound play and made the and-one for his 20th point of the game after a foul. This cut Australia’s deficit to four points with only seconds remaining.

Booker adds on with fadeaway jumper

As Australia continued to challenge the Americans, Booker hit a mid-range jumper with 30 seconds left, extending Team USA’s lead to nine points.

Haliburton ends U.S. scoring drought

The Indiana Pacers’ guard hit a corner 3-pointer, giving Team USA some breathing room after missing their last seven shots. He hit a similar shot in the next possession, pushing the U.S. lead up to 12 points. They led 92-81.

Australia draws within striking distance

Thanks to more turnovers and missed shots from the United States, Australia significantly cut into their deficit. Team USA’s lead dwindled to six points. The Americans led 86-80 with five minutes remaining.

U.S. still in the lead through three quarters

With 10 minutes left to play, the United States led Australia 76-61. The five on the floor to start the fourth quarter were Curry, Edwards, Tatum, James, and Davis.

Turnovers mounting for the United States

Australia began a 14-2 run fueled by several consecutive turnovers from Team USA. The team had accumulated 12 turnovers with three minutes left in the third quarter.

Derrick White still awaiting Team USA debut

The United States continued to use their rotation of two five-man lineups: Curry, Edwards, Tatum, James, and Embiid; Holiday, Booker, Haliburton, Davis, and Adebayo.

White, who joined Team USA late, had not played as the third quarter wound down, and the United States led Australia 67-53.

United States up big on Australia at halftime

Team USA led the Boomers 53-37 through 20 minutes of play at Etihad Arena.

Joel Embiid hits 3-pointer

The United States starting center made a 3-pointer from the top of the key, adding to Team USA’s substantial lead and continuing their success from beyond the arc.

Team USA taking advantage of fouls

Seven minutes into the second quarter, United States players were 11/11 from the free-throw line, leading 46-30.

Curry drains 3 to end U.S. scoring drought

Australia chipped away at the Americans’ lead halfway through the second quarter with a 7-0 run, but Curry drilled a deep 3-pointer to get the United States back on track.

Starters back out for the United States

Curry, Edwards, Tatum, James, and Embiid returned to the floor early in the second quarter.

Team USA led Australia through one quarter

The United States were up 32-21 after the first 10 minutes.

Team USA made full substitutions after a TV timeout

Halfway through the first quarter, Tyrese Haliburton, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker entered the game.

Anthony Edwards thriving early as a starter

Edwards led both teams with 11 points in the first five minutes, including a perfect 3/3 on 3-point attempts and 4/4 from the field.

United States starts off hot from beyond the arc

Three minutes into the first quarter, LeBron James and Anthony Edwards were both 2/2 from 3-point range.

USA vs. Australia: Time, TV, streaming, and how to watch

Date: Monday, July 15

Time: Noon ET

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

TV: FS1

Streaming: Fox Sports app; fuboTV; YouTube TV

HOW TO WATCH: Catch Team USA in the Basketball Showcase with a Fubo subscription

Team USA roster:
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Derrick White, Boston Celtics

Team Australia roster:
Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
Matthew Dellavedova, Melbourne United
Dante Exum, Dallas Mavericks
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Josh Green, Charlotte Hornets
Joe Ingles, Minnesota Timberwolves
Nick Kay, Shimane Susanoo Magic
Jock Landale, Houston Rockets
Will Magnay, Tasmania JackJumpers
Jack McVeigh, Tasmania JackJumpers
Duop Reath, Portland Trail Blazers
Patty Mills, unrestricted free agent

Team USA highlights

Team Australia players to know:
Current NBA players:
Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
Dante Exum, Dallas Mavericks
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Josh Green, Charlotte Hornets
Joe Ingles, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jock Landale, Houston Rockets
Duop Reath, Portland Trail Blazers

Other:
Matthew Dellavedova: Dellavedova played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings after going undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft. The 33-year-old Australian was a member of the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team.

USA men’s basketball Olympic schedule: Time, TV, and streaming

All Team USA men’s basketball games will be available to stream on Peacock.

July 28:
USA vs. Serbia, NBC, 11:15 a.m. ET

July 31:
USA vs. South Sudan, NBC, 3 p.m. ET

Aug. 3:
USA vs. Puerto Rico, NBC, 11:15 a.m. ET

When are the Paris 2024 Olympics?

The 2024 Paris Olympics begin on July 24 and run through August 11.

How can I watch the 2024 Paris Olympics?

TV: Games will be broadcast across NBC, USA Network, E!, Telemundo, CNBC, NBCSN

Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com

HOW TO WATCH: See all Olympic events with a subscription to Peacock

Remaining USA Basketball Showcase schedule

July 17: USA vs. Serbia, 12 p.m. ET, FS1, Abu Dhabi

July 20: USA vs. South Sudan, 3 p.m. ET, Fox, London

July 22: USA vs. Germany, 3 p.m. ET, Fox, London

USA Basketball Showcase locations

Team USA played one game in Las Vegas to start the showcase. They will play two games in Abu Dhabi before heading to London for two more games ahead of the Olympics.

Team USA lineup

Team Australia lineup

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