Team USA Basketball managed to fend off a late rally by Australia to secure its second exhibition game victory as part of its pre-Olympic preparations.
The United States emerged victorious over Canada with a score of 86-72 on Wednesday in the first game of the USA Basketball Showcase in Las Vegas. On Monday, they edged out the Australian Boomers, 98-92, in a match that tightened in the closing moments.
Australia capitalized on the fourth quarter, highlighting Team USA’s weaknesses through steadfast defense that led to turnovers and missed shots. Nevertheless, clutch performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker helped the United States maintain their lead and ultimately win the game.
Team USA is scheduled to play five games together during the showcase before the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics. After two games in Abu Dhabi, they will head to London for another two games before beginning their Olympic group stage on July 28.
Team USA’s next challenge is against Serbia in Abu Dhabi for their third USA Basketball Showcase exhibition game on Wednesday, July 17, starting at noon ET on FS1.
Key Moments in Team USA vs. Australia:
– Booker’s crucial free throws kept the U.S. ahead despite Australia’s comeback.
– Jock Landale’s late basket and foul cut Australia’s deficit to four points.
– Booker’s fadeaway jumper expanded the U.S. lead to nine points with 30 seconds remaining.
– Haliburton ended a U.S. scoring drought with vital 3-pointers.
– Turnovers plagued Team USA, allowing Australia to close the gap.
– The United States led Australia 76-61 after three quarters.
– Team USA led 53-37 at halftime, boosted by Joel Embiid’s 3-pointer and perfect free throws.
– Starters like Curry, Edwards, Tatum, James, and Embiid significantly contributed early in the game.
Team USA dominated the first quarter, going up 32-21 after 10 minutes and retained their lead throughout the game despite Australia’s efforts.
USA’s remaining showcase schedule includes:
– 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
The 2024 Paris Olympics commence on July 24 and run through August 11, with all men’s basketball games available for streaming on Peacock and other NBC platforms.
Team USA’s roster includes prominent players such as Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White.
Team Australia features NBA talents like Dyson Daniels, Dante Exum, Josh Giddey, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, and Jock Landale among others.