Team USA faced a tough challenge in their exhibition game against Australia, coming away with a 98-92 victory in Abu Dhabi. Despite the win, there were some glaring issues that the Americans need to address before heading to Paris for the Olympics.
One of the major concerns was Team USA’s defense in the paint, as they gave up a staggering 68 points inside to the Australians. This has been a recurring problem for the team in recent international competitions and something that they must work on fixing quickly.
Anthony Davis proved to be a crucial player for Team USA, making a significant impact with 17 points and 14 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. His presence in the paint was instrumental in securing the win against Australia.
Young talent like Anthony Edwards also showed promise, putting up 14 points and demonstrating his explosiveness on the court. However, there were still signs of unfamiliarity among the team, leading to turnovers and defensive lapses that allowed Australia to capitalize.
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of learning from this game and using it as a valuable teaching tool for the team. The Australians exposed weaknesses in Team USA’s defense with aggressive drives, offensive rebounds, and well-executed plays in the paint.
Despite the shortcomings, Team USA did display improvements on offense, making 12 three-pointers and showing better ball movement. However, they still struggled with turnovers, committing 18 in the game.
Looking ahead, Team USA will face Serbia in a friendly match, with NBA MVP Nikola Jokic in attendance to scout the competition. The Americans must continue to fine-tune their defense and work on their chemistry to be successful in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Overall, while the exhibition win over Australia was a step in the right direction for Team USA, there are areas that need immediate attention. The team’s ability to shore up their defense in the paint and minimize turnovers will be critical to their success in Paris and their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.