In a thrilling first exhibition match for the Paris Olympics, Team USA secured a solid 86-72 victory over Canada in Las Vegas. Despite a shaky start and early mistakes, the U.S. team found their rhythm and pulled away in the second quarter, led by standout performances and strategic plays.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
The game began with Canada scoring 11 of the first 12 points, exploiting Team USA’s early disorganization. However, the Americans quickly regrouped. Anthony Edwards’ buzzer-beating three-pointer at halftime put the U.S. up by eight, a lead they never relinquished. Edwards led all scorers with 13 points off the bench, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Notable Highlights
Among the dignitaries at courtside, including former president Barack Obama, fans witnessed several highlight-worthy moments. A LeBron James block that transitioned into a Devin Booker three-pointer and Steph Curry’s iconic “night-night” pose after an and-1 layup electrified the crowd. These moments highlighted the team’s potential despite the game’s initial rough patches.
Strategic Rotations and Defensive Prowess
Head Coach Steve Kerr experimented with different starting lineups, aiming to optimize rotations before the Olympics. The starting five featured LeBron James, Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Jrue Holiday, and Joel Embiid. This lineup was designed to test Holiday’s defensive capabilities against Canada’s star guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Holiday, known for his defensive tenacity, stated, “I try to do my job to the best of my ability. I’m a real competitor. I do the best I can, trying to make everyone around me better and do what it takes to win.” His presence was a crucial part of Kerr’s strategy to disrupt Canada’s offensive flow.
Challenges and Adjustments
Despite their victory, Team USA faced some challenges. Joel Embiid fouled out midway through the third quarter while defending Canada’s Dwight Powell and Kelly Olynyk. Concerns about Embiid’s fitness and ability to guard versatile big men were noted by USA Basketball officials.
Competitive Spirit and Rivalries
The game wasn’t without its share of drama. The long-standing rivalry between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks added a layer of intensity. Brooks’ physical play against LeBron early in the game set the tone for a heated matchup, further fueled by their contentious history.
Canada’s Strong Potential
Canada, despite the loss, demonstrated why they are considered medal contenders. Their roster, featuring current NBA players and an MVP finalist in Gilgeous-Alexander, posed a significant challenge. However, the Canadians struggled with shooting consistency, managing only 34% from the field.
Looking Ahead
Team USA is set for four more exhibition games before heading to Paris. The absence of Kawhi Leonard, due to knee issues, was a notable development. Grant Hill, the director of USA Basketball, emphasized that Leonard’s withdrawal was a mutual decision based on his health.
Conclusion
The victory over Canada provided valuable insights and areas for improvement as Team USA prepares for the Paris Olympics. The blend of veteran leadership and young talent, coupled with strategic adjustments, will be crucial for their quest for gold. As LeBron James aptly put it, “We got a long way to go,” highlighting the team’s focus on continuous growth and cohesion.
Team USA will continue their preparation with games in Abu Dhabi and London before the Olympics, aiming to fine-tune their strategies and build on their promising start.
