ABU DHABI (UAE) — The USA played their second preparation game of the summer and their first showcase in Abu Dhabi. Every game the USA plays this summer draws a lot of interest and provides plenty of insights.
Compared to their first game against Canada, they showed better offensive performance, with six players finishing the game in double digits. However, the Boomers' comeback in the final quarter showed that even this star-studded USA team isn't invincible.
The USA secured an eventual win with a final score of 98-92.
The story of the game
The USA started this game with Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum on the wings, while Joel Embiid's spot in the starting lineup looks secure this summer. Steve Kerr's men initiated play with impressive ball movement, but it was Edwards who took charge, sinking three three-pointers in the opening quarter.
The USA built their first double-digit lead between the first and second quarters when Kerr experimented with Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis together on the court. Could this be a potential answer to the Wembanyama-Gobert frontcourt?
The USA took a 16-point lead into the second half.
The beginning of the third quarter didn't differ much, as the USA continued to showcase their depth and offensive talent.
The Boomers kept fighting, making a 19-10 run between the final two quarters. The veteran trio of Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, and Matthew Dellavedova helped bring the score to 86-80.
The USA finished the game with an experimental lineup but maintained their composure. Two three-pointers by Tyrese Haliburton sealed the deal for them.
The player of the game
We'll have to rely on Anthony Davis again, thanks to his two-way game and his contributions to the USA team in the decisive stages of the second half. With Embiid still finding his defensive game, Davis might finish some crucial games for the USA at the Olympics.
AD's size and game IQ work exceptionally well in international basketball. Against Australia, he had 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 19 minutes on the court.
Josh Giddey was the star of the night for the Boomers, delivering an impressive performance with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in 26 minutes of action.
The stats of the game
The USA increased their turnovers slightly, from 15 to 18, compared to the game against Canada.
However, they were much better from behind the perimeter, converting 12 out of their 29 three-point attempts. Stephen Curry, however, struggled, shooting only 1-6 from distance.
The takeaways from the game
The USA team consists of humans who are simply exceptional at basketball, something we already knew, but the Australian team gave us a good reminder of this. It's too early to draw conclusions about the quality of the USA national team, but it's evident that other teams can stay competitive against them.
For Steve Kerr's men, it's a timely reminder that they need to be resilient in every game and not take anything for granted. One positive takeaway is their impressive ball movement and the players' willingness to share the ball.
For Australia, Josh Giddey is slowly emerging as the main star, much like he was at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Ingles and Dellavedova continue to bring a wealth of experience and calmness to the team, while Jack Landale proves himself very capable under the basket. Their tough Group A at the Olympics might very well be manageable for the Boomers.
Both teams will face Serbia next in their preparation games. Australia is scheduled to play Serbia on Tuesday, while the USA will face them on Wednesday.
FIBA