In the first match of the team formation, the US team’s stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry… still had many problems.
The U.S. men’s basketball team started their pre-Olympic exhibition series in Paris with a matchup against neighboring Canada, a formidable opponent. Despite initial lineup adjustments featuring stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, they managed to secure a 86-72 victory.
Although both teams fielded numerous NBA talents, the game began sluggishly with few scoring opportunities. Team USA struggled early, especially without Kevin Durant (out with a calf injury) and Kawhi Leonard (withdrawn from the team), resulting in low scoring for much of the first half.
Joel Embiid, making his debut with the team, encountered personal fouls and was benched after just 12 minutes of play. Even with a lineup including Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Devin Booker, and Jayson Tatum, Team USA faced challenges, scoring their first successful field goal only midway through the first half.
After trailing for much of the first half, Team USA staged a strong comeback in the second half with a decisive 14-2 run. Anthony Edwards led the charge with impressive scoring plays, showcasing why he’s considered a top pick.
Despite not dominating as expected, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and their teammates secured a 14-point victory. They maintained control throughout the remaining three quarters with contributions from various players.
Anthony Edwards led the team with 13 points, while Anthony Davis contributed a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday also scored over 10 points each in the win.
Following their match against Canada, Team USA will play four more exhibition games before the Olympic Games begin at the end of the month. They’ll face Australia and Serbia in Abu Dhabi, then move on to London to play against South Sudan and Germany.
The Olympic campaign for the U.S. men’s basketball team officially begins on July 28th with a matchup against Serbia.
