USA all the way again.
In a nail-biting prelude to the Paris Olympics, Team USA Basketball fended off a late-game surge from Australia, clinching a 98-92 victory. This marks their second win in the exhibition series, adding fuel to their pre-Olympics momentum.
Previously, the United States crushed Canada 86-72 in Las Vegas, kicking off their showcase with flair. Against the Australian Boomers, however, the game turned into a dramatic contest, with Australia exploiting Team USA’s weaknesses in a tense fourth quarter. Yet, in the clutch moments, Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker stepped up, securing the win for the U.S.
Get this. An Aussie team lead by former #Spurs Patty Mills, and Jock Landale along with Josh Giddy almost beat the team stacked with the best players in the USA earlier today. 😳
Team USA 🇺🇸 Australia 🇦🇺 98 – 92 pic.twitter.com/bhZax8IMQg
— SpursReport (@SpursReporter) July 16, 2024
With five exhibition games on their schedule, Team USA is fine-tuning its strategies before the Olympic showdown. After battling Serbia in Abu Dhabi, they’ll face off against South Sudan and Germany in London, sharpening their edge before the group stage kicks off on July 28.
The game’s final moments were electrifying. Booker’s pivotal free throws kept the U.S. in the lead, even as Australia closed in. A three-point play by Jock Landale cut the gap to four points, but Booker responded with a mid-range jumper, pushing the lead to nine and sealing the victory.
Team #USA beats Australia
98-92! 🇺🇸🏀 pic.twitter.com/VeGifbrNer— JRibSports (@JribSports) July 15, 2024
Haliburton’s back-to-back three-pointers earlier provided crucial breathing space, breaking a streak of missed shots that had tightened the contest. Despite turnovers and defensive lapses, the U.S. maintained their lead, finishing the third quarter ahead 76-61.
Anthony Edwards dazzled as a starter, scoring 11 points early on. The rotation, featuring Curry, Tatum, James, and Embiid, contributed significantly. Notably, Derrick White, a late team addition, has yet to hit the court.
Team USA SURVIVES Australia in 98-92 win 😮
AD: 17 PTS, 14 REB
Ant: 14 PTS, 5-11 FG pic.twitter.com/W6EKArrIm4— 2Hooped (@2HoopedLLC) July 15, 2024
Australia, with players like Dyson Daniels and Joe Ingles, delivered a formidable challenge. Their defensive prowess in the fourth quarter exposed areas for improvement in Team USA’s game plan.
Next, Team USA faces Serbia in Abu Dhabi, followed by matchups against South Sudan and Germany in London. These games are critical for refining tactics and building team cohesion before the Olympics.
Major Points
- Team USA triumphed over Australia 98-92 in their second pre-Olympic exhibition.
- Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker made clutch plays to secure the win amid Australia’s late surge.
- Anthony Edwards led early scoring, with significant contributions from Curry, Tatum, James, and Embiid.
- The U.S. will next play Serbia in Abu Dhabi, then South Sudan and Germany in London before the Olympics.
- These games are key to refining strategies and team dynamics ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
