Team USA Basketball thwarted a late surge from Australia to secure its second exhibition game victory in its pre-Olympic showcase schedule.
The United States previously triumphed over Canada on Wednesday, winning 86-72 in the first game of the USA Basketball Showcase in Las Vegas. On Monday, they faced the Australian Boomers and emerged victorious with a 98-92 scoreline, in a match that saw the Aussies close the gap towards the end.
Australia highlighted Team USA’s weaknesses during the final quarter through strong defensive play that led to turnovers and missed shots. However, timely baskets by Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker ensured a narrow, but decisive, win for the United States.
Overall, the Team USA roster will participate in five exhibition games before heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following two games in Abu Dhabi, they will play another two in London before starting their Olympic campaign on July 28.
Highlights from the USA vs. Australia Clash
The United States overcame Australia’s late-game push to win their second game in the USA Basketball Showcase series. Key free-throw shooting from Booker and crucial shots from Haliburton helped Team USA maintain their lead, ultimately securing a 98-92 victory.
Key moments included:
– Jock Landale scored quickly off an inbound play and converted a free throw for a three-point play, bringing his total to 20 points and narrowing Australia’s deficit to four points.
– Booker nailed a mid-range jumper with 30 seconds remaining, pushing the U.S. lead to nine points.
– Haliburton hit a couple of three-pointers in the closing minutes to extend the United States’ lead after a brief scoring drought.
– Despite a series of turnovers and missed shots, the U.S. maintained a six-point lead with five minutes to go.
Next up for Team USA is a game against Serbia in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, July 17, at noon ET, available on FS1.
The opening lineup featured Curry, Edwards, Tatum, James, and Embiid, who combined well to keep the United States ahead throughout the game. Although Derrick White, a late addition to the team, did not play, the rest of the squad showed their depth and resilience.
The game concluded with Team USA leading comfortably at various points, including a notable first-quarter lead of 32-21. Australia managed to claw back several times, but the Americans’ key players stepped up when it mattered the most.
The showcase schedule includes further matches in Abu Dhabi and London before they head to Paris for the Olympics. The team looks to continue building chemistry and momentum ahead of the global competition.