Perhaps the time difference in Abu Dhabi was a factor, but Team USA had a closer game versus Australia on Monday than many would have predicted.
The Americans eventually prevailed, 9892, but an Australian squad with several NBA players provided some impressive opposition in its exhibition matchup at Etihad Arena. Jock Landale scored 20 points with seven rebounds and six assists, while Josh Giddey tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Dyson Daniels added 14.
Australia cuts the lead to 5 @FS1 pic.twitter.com/z9yrF8IGdd
FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2024
It was a four-point contest with 30 seconds remaining before Devin Booker put the game away with a jumper in the lane and two free throws at the end. Tyrese Haliburton also hit two clutch 3-pointers to keep Australia from closing the margin to within two points or tying the score.
That salvaged a relatively sluggish offensive Team USA performance, which seemed content to rely on its star players’ talents rather than execute plays throughout the game. Yet Australia has been a tough matchup for the Americans before, winning exhibition contests in 2019 and 2021. Landale had success inside, while Australia’s guards frequently scored on drives to the basket.
BACK-TO-BACK THREES FOR HALIBURTON! @FS1 pic.twitter.com/z2rPVYAbLg
FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2024
Anthony Davis led Team USA with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in a dominating performance in the paint. Until the very end, Anthony Edwards looked as if he might lead the Americans and establish himself as the No. 1 option. He scored 14 points, hitting 3-of-5 3-point shots. As a team, USA shot 41% from 3-point range.
Booker eventually finished ahead of Edwards with his late baskets, tallying 16 points. LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo each scored 10 points. Jayson Tatum led Team USA with five assists. However, 18 turnovers demonstrated that these players are still learning how to play with each other, leading to mistakes upon which opponents may capitalize.
That LA connection. #USABMNT x @FS1 pic.twitter.com/b0hqMXa4ae
USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 15, 2024
Kevin Durant missed his second consecutive exhibition game, sidelined again with a calf injury. Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Saturday that the plan is to monitor Durant day by day and utilize the next couple of weeks before making a roster decision. The team has already lost Kawhi Leonard and replaced him with Derrick White.
Up next for the USA is an exhibition matchup with Serbia and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic against whom they will open Olympics play on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. That game will tip off at 12 p.m. ET and be televised on FS1.