More work must be done if the Americans want to remain at the top of the Olympics basketball summit.
Team USA is perhaps the starriest, deepest, and has the richest collection of basketball talent on the globe, there’s no denying that.
But they are not always the smoothest and most harmonious, and their latest pre-Olympic duel over the Australians proved just that.
Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker scored the final 12 Team USA points, enough for the world no. 1 Americans to survive a late scare from Australia, 98-92, in the second of their five-game slate of exhibitions leading into the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Anthony Davis continued his fine play with another double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Anthony Edwards, who started after coming off the bench in their last win against Canada, added 14 points.
But the Boomers slowly crawled their way back into the game and a 15-3 run tightened capped off by a Dyson Daniels lay-in made 86-80 with 5:05 seconds left in the fourth.
This is where Haliburton stepped in, connecting on two consecutive triples in a span of 47 seconds to build back a double-digit lead at 92-80.
Australia climbed back within four points on two occasions before the Americans finished the job, with Booker, who finished with 16 points, hit a clutch jumper with 32 seconds left, then going 4-of-4 from the line in the final seconds.
LeBron James, Bam Adebayo and Joel Embiid finished with 10 markers for the Americans, who now moved 2-0 in their last two exhibition matches leading to Paris 2024.
The Americans shot a much-better 12/29 from deep but had 18 turnovers–they had 15 turnovers in last week’s exhibition win over Canada–demonstrated that these players are still learning how to play with each other, which they look to address in the coming days.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Anthony Edwards, new-look Team USA shrug off slow start to cruise past Canada in pre-Olympics duel]
Jock Landale led the way for the 2020 Tokyo bronze medalists with 20 points, while Josh Giddey had 17 markers, eight rebounds, and seven assists while Daniels chipped in 14 points.
Another glaring stat for the Boomers: 68 paint points that pretty much gave them life to come back only to fall short.
That would be a concerning number in a 48-minute NBA game; in a 40-minute FIBA-style game, it's a flashing red light as far as the Americans are concerned.
Kevin Durant missed his second consecutive game because of a calf strain as well as guard 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 Thursday, July 18 (PH Time).
Story Summary:
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Team USA boasts unparalleled talent but faces challenges in cohesion and consistency, as highlighted in their narrow victory over Australia. This is their second tune-up game for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
- Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker's late-game heroics secured Team USA's win, despite Australia's resilient comeback efforts.
- Anthony Davis and Anthony Edwards contributed significantly, underscoring Team USA's depth and versatility on the court.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]