Photo Credit: Getty Images
The road to the Paris Olympics began with a convincing win for Team USA, defeating a talented Canadian squad 86-72 in their opening exhibition game on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. This victory marked the first time this American roster, aiming for a historic fifth consecutive gold medal, played together.
Anthony Davis led the American charge with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his signature defensive presence with four blocks. Stephen Curry, a seasoned veteran hungry for Olympic gold, chipped in 12 points, while Anthony Edwards, a rising star, impressed with his scoring prowess, dropping 13 points. LeBron James, playing on a minutes restriction, contributed a well-rounded performance with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
Team USA entered the matchup heavily favored, boasting a star-studded roster compared to Canada's squad, which nevertheless features established NBA talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett. Canada, hungry for their first Olympic basketball podium finish since 1936, presented a significant challenge.
Despite falling behind 11-1 early, Team USA quickly found its rhythm. Coach Steve Kerr's strategic depth proved crucial. The luxury of a loaded bench, featuring Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton, sparked a 14-3 run, propelling the Americans to a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The American dominance continued throughout the game, with their superior size and defensive intensity on display. They outrebounded Canada and stifled their offense, holding them to just 33.8% shooting.
This win serves as a positive start for Team USA, especially considering the limited practice time together. Coach Kerr acknowledged the team's rust on offense but praised their defensive intensity and rebounding effort. "It's a good first game for us," Kerr said. "We're really just getting started... I love the defensive intensity and the work on the glass."
Team USA remains focused on improvement with four more exhibition games scheduled before the Olympics begin on July 28th. Notably, Kevin Durant missed the game with a calf strain, highlighting the team's incredible depth. Derrick White will also join the team soon, further bolstering their already formidable roster.
With a strong opening performance and a deep talent pool, Team USA appears well on their way to contending for another Olympic gold medal.
