The USA Men’s National
Basketball Team passed its second test after beating Australia,
98-92, in the USA Basketball Showcase in Abu
Dhabi.
In part of their preparation for
the Paris Olympics, Team USA looked to be in cruise control after
leading by 20 over the Boomers. However, Australia unleashed a huge
run in the 4th quarter, even cutting the lead down to just 4,
94-90, with 15 seconds to go.
Phoenix Suns’ superstar guard
Devin Booker took over from there as he hit 4 clutch free throws to
keep the rushing Australians at bay and win the game.
Anthony Davis once again had a
double-double to lead the US with 17 points and 14 rebounds while
Booker added 16 points of his own. Both came off the bench for the
Steve Kerr-manned squad.
Main takeaways:
STEVE KERR PLAYING 4 GUARD LINEUP AT THE
END
With Australia playing fast and
wreaking havoc on the wings, Kerr opted for an interesting lineup
to close the game with Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, Anthony
Edwards, and Devin Booker all on the floor – a 4-guard lineup –
alongside Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo. It could be argued that
the lineup almost cost Team USA the game with the Boomers attacking
the paint relentlessly against a relatively smaller Team USA
lineup. However, it could also be argued on the other way that Kerr
utilized the lineup to have more decision-makers on the floor,
making reads, and moving the ball. Nonetheless, it was an
interesting decision considering the personnel Kerr has at his
disposal.
JOEL EMBIID GETTING ESTABLISHED ON OFFENSE
For the second straight game, no
one from the opposing team could guard the NBA’s MVP straight up.
Joel Embiid had a better game vs Australia after fouling out vs
Team Canada, scoring 10 points with 5 rebounds. He established his
presence on the post, drawing out double teams. At times, Embiid
attacked the man in front of him and scored twice on an and-ones.
He also dished out assists to the open man when Australia came to
double. Overall a good game from Embiid as Kerr has mentioned about
Team USA wanting to establish the big man early on
offense.
