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July 16 2024
USA Basketball: USA Basketball edged out Australia 98-92 in a pre-Olympics game in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Patty Mills nailed a three-pointer to bring the Boomers within six at 86-80, during a rough patch for Team USA, who missed seven shots in a row.
But after Australia couldn’t convert a three-pointer and two close-range shots, Tyrese Haliburton sank two consecutive corner threes, stretching the lead to 92-80 and sealing the win for the USA.
Jock Landale was the standout player for Australia, scoring 20 points and seven offensive rebounds.
USA coach Steve Kerr shuffled his starting lineup at halftime, Australia also competed hard in the second half, scoring in the paint, but they were unable to stop Team USA's big men. Anthony Davis stepped up with 17 points and seven rebounds, playing a key role as the US team fought through a tough second half. The US struggled with self-inflicted wounds with empty possessions and 18 turnovers. The US also had 15 turnovers in an exhibition win over Canada last week.
“We started having turnover issues in the third quarter,” Kerr said. “We allowed too many easy baskets. Back cuts, offensive boards and so, the game changed. It's a good lesson for us. It's better to learn now rather than later. And it will be a good tape for us to watch. But I give Australia a lot of credit. They were fantastic. They fought. They were really physical. In the last quarter and half, they outplayed us and really made it a game."
Just like in Canada's game, the U.S.'s so-called second unit — Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, Davis and Devin Booker — changed the game. During this stretch, the team took charge, leveling the score at 19-19 with just over three minutes left in the opening half, then surging to a commanding 39-23 advantage, sparked by a blistering 20-4 run over the next five minutes.
Kerr used that group as his starting five to begin the second half. But it's already become an obvious trend: When the U.S. goes to its bench and can replace All-Stars with other All-Stars, it's a big problem for opponents who don't have anywhere near the same level of depth.
"The strength of our team is our depth and we have to use our depth," Kerr said. The upcoming match at the Abu Dhabi showcase features Serbia facing off against the USA, both contenders in the Olympic pool in Paris, scheduled for Wednesday, with the US scheduled for two more exhibition games in London before the Olympics. Australia will begin its Olympic campaign against Spain on July 27.
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