USA Basketball Tops Canada 86-72 in Exhibition Debut for Paris Olympics
The journey to the Paris Olympics has commenced on a victorious note for USA Basketball. In their first exhibition game in preparation for the Games, the United States triumphed over Canada with a score of 86-72. Anthony Davis led the American effort with 13 points, supported by Stephen Curry who contributed 12 points, and Jrue Holiday with 11 points. Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton also showcased their skills, each making significant contributions to the team’s performance.
RJ Barrett led Canada’s scoring with 12 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks each added 10 points. The game, held at T-Mobile Arena, attracted a record attendance of 20,757 spectators, including notable figures like former President Barack Obama, various NBA coaches, and several USA Basketball luminaries gathered for the federation’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Among the distinguished guests were Jerry Colangelo, Mike Krzyzewski, and Dwyane Wade, alongside women’s basketball icons such as Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Teresa Edwards, Swin Cash, and Lindsay Whalen.
The match started with an unexpected early deficit for the U.S., trailing 11-1 midway through the first quarter after missing their initial six shot attempts. However, they quickly regained momentum, outscoring Canada 40-22 for the remainder of the first half, shooting an impressive 64.3% from the field during that stretch. By halftime, the Americans held a 41-33 lead, extending it to 69-54 by the end of the third quarter.
Despite their dominance, the team showed signs of adjustment as they continue to gel after being together for less than a week. There were occasional miscues, including errant passes that ended up in the crowd due to miscommunication. Nonetheless, the second unit of Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum demonstrated exceptional cohesion and performance. Each player had a plus-minus rating of plus-10 or better, underscoring their impact on the game.
Looking ahead, Team USA remains in the process of refining their chemistry and strategy. Their lineup boasts remarkable depth, with even the so-called “bench players” comprising multiple All-Stars, including two NBA champions and elite defenders. This depth and star power position them uniquely among Olympic contenders, reaffirming their status as favorites as they prepare to defend their gold medal in Paris.