USA Basketball has kicked off its journey to the Paris Olympics with a strong start, securing an 86-72 win against Canada in their first tune-up game on Wednesday night. Anthony Davis led the scoring with 13 points, while Stephen Curry added 12. Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis each contributed with 11 and 10 points respectively, as the team gears up with four more exhibitions before heading to France.
Canada’s effort was highlighted by RJ Barrett with 12 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks each scoring 10. The game saw a star-studded attendance, including President Barack Obama, numerous NBA coaches, and USA Basketball dignitaries such as Jerry Colangelo, Mike Krzyzewski, and Dwyane Wade, among others. The event set a record with a crowd of 20,757 at T-Mobile Arena.
The game started cold for the U.S., as they trailed 11-1 midway through the first quarter after missing their first six shots. However, the team rebounded strongly, finishing the first half shooting 64.3% and leading 41-33 at halftime. They maintained control through the third quarter, entering the fourth with a 69-54 lead.
Despite having less than a week together, the U.S. team showed promising signs but also room for improvement, evidenced by some miscommunications leading to turnovers. The second unit, featuring Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum, was particularly effective, each boasting a plus-minus of plus-10 or better.
Notably, the U.S. was missing key players Kevin Durant, due to a calf strain, and Derrick White, who has not yet joined the team. The starting lineup, rolled out by coach Steve Kerr, included Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. While Kerr emphasized that early lineups might not be indicative of final decisions, this formation provided insight into his current strategy.
As the U.S. team continues its preparations, the focus remains on refining their game and building cohesion. With a roster stacked with talent, even the bench features multiple All-Stars and champions, showcasing the depth and strength of the team. The upcoming exhibitions will be crucial in fine-tuning their performance before the Olympic Games.
