Team USA overcame an early deficit to secure an 86-72 victory over Canada in the first of five exhibition games ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, set to begin on July 27. Despite falling behind 11-1 in the first 4:30, Anthony Edwards led the charge with a game-high 13 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to close the third quarter. Anthony Davis posted a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, anchoring a defense that ended with a 9-1 edge in blocks.
Longtime NBA rivals Stephen Curry and LeBron James, who started together, highlighted the game with a fast-break alley-oop. Curry finished with 12 points and three three-pointers, while James contributed seven points, five rebounds, and three steals. Team USA showcased their teamwork with 25 assists on 37 field goals, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s six assists and four steals.
Two of this generation’s best linking on this oop
LeBron x Steph
@usabasketball Showcase on FS1 pic.twitter.com/bf27CbtXRV
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2024
After trailing 21-14 at the end of the first quarter, Team USA dominated the second quarter 27-12, taking an eight-point lead into halftime. Over the second and third quarters combined, the Americans outscored Canada 55-33.
The US team played without Kevin Durant (calf injury) and Derrick White, who was recently added to the roster following Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal.
Canada was led by RJ Barrett with 12 points and five rebounds, along with Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who each scored 10 points. Despite their efforts, Canada couldn’t replicate their FIBA World Cup success against the US in this Olympic exhibition.
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The post SOURCE SPORTS: Team USA Overcomes Slow Start to Defeat Canada 86-72 in Olympic Exhibition appeared first on The Source.