The USA men’s basketball team kicked off their road to the 2024 Paris Olympics with a commanding 86-72 victory over Canada in an exhibition game in Las Vegas on July 10. The star-studded team, featuring NBA icons LeBron James and Stephen Curry playing together for the first time in an official match, overcame a slow start to dominate the game.Anthony Edwards led the scoring with 13 points, while Stephen Curry contributed 12 points, and both Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday added 11 points each. The team’s second unit, featuring Davis, Bam Adebayo, Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum, was particularly impressive, with each player recording a plus-minus of +10 or better.Coach Steve Kerr, while pleased with the win, emphasized the need for improvement, particularly on offense. The team struggled early, falling behind 11-1 in the first quarter, but rallied to take a 41-33 halftime lead. Kerr praised the team’s defensive intensity and work on the glass but noted they still have some offensive rust to work out.The game was attended by several notable figures, including former President Barack Obama, who spoke to the team before the game about representing the country on the Olympic stage. The USA Basketball team, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is aiming for its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.The team will continue their Olympic preparation with four more exhibition games. Their next match is against Australia in Abu Dhabi on Monday, followed by a game against Serbia on July 17. The Paris Olympics are set to begin on July 26, with Team USA’s first official game scheduled for July 28 against Serbia.
Key points
- USA men’s basketball team won their first Olympic preparation game against Canada 86-72.
- Anthony Edwards led scoring with 13 points, while Stephen Curry added 12 points.
- Former President Barack Obama attended the game and spoke to the team.
- Team USA will play four more exhibition games before the Paris Olympics.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in reporting the top scorer.
While most sources credit Anthony Edwards with 13 points, one source attributes the 13 points to Anthony Davis.
