The eight-hour time difference in Abu Dhabi may have been a factor, but Team USA had a closer game against Australia on Monday than many predicted.
The Americans eventually prevailed 98-92, but an Australian team featuring several NBA players provided some impressive resistance in their exhibition match at the Etihad Arena. Joc Landale scored 20 points with seven rebounds and six assists, while Josh Gidde had 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Tyson Daniels added 14.
It was a four-point game with 30 seconds left, but Devin Booker put the game away with a jumper in the lane and two free throws at the end. Tyrese Haliburton hit two clutch 3-pointers to keep Australia within two points or tie the score.
That saved Team USA's relatively lackluster offensive performance, which seemed content to rely on the talents of its star players rather than play throughout the game. Nevertheless, Australia has been a tough match for the Americans before, winning exhibition matches in 2019 and 2021. Lawndale had success inside, while Australia's guards often scored on drives to the basket.
Anthony Davis led the USA team dominating in the paint with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. Until the end, it looked like Anthony Edwards might lead the Americans and establish himself as the No. 1 favorite. He hit 3-of-5 3-point shots and scored 14 points. As a team, the USA shot 41% from 3-point range.
Booker eventually scored 16 points and finished off Edwards with his late baskets. LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo each scored 10 points. Jayson Tatum led Team USA with five assists. However, 18 turnovers proved these players are still learning how to play off each other, leading to mistakes that opponents can take advantage of.
Kevin Durant missed his second consecutive exhibition game, Sidelined again with calf injury. Coach Steve Kerr He told reporters on Saturday The plan is to monitor Durant day-to-day and use the next two weeks before making a roster decision. The team has already lost Kawhi Leonard and replaced him with Derrick White.
Next up for the U.S. men's basketball team is an exhibition match with Serbia and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic – against whom they will play in the Olympics – on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. The game will tip off at 12pm ET and will be televised on FS1.
