LAS VEGAS — Team USA, despite early struggles, pulled away to secure an 86-72 victory against Canada in their first exhibition game at T-Mobile Arena. LeBron James highlighted the need for improvement, but key performances from Anthony Edwards, who led all scorers with 13 points, and Steph Curry’s night-night pose, marked the game.
“We’ve got a long way to go,” admitted LeBron James, echoing the sentiment of a team still finding its footing. Wednesday’s game, while lacking in style and finesse, served as a crucial learning experience for the Americans as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics.
Canada surged ahead, scoring 11 of the game’s first 12 points, capitalizing on Team USA’s early mistakes and misfires. However, the American team regrouped, taking control late in the second quarter. Anthony Edwards’ buzzer-beating 3-pointer propelled the USA to an eight-point halftime lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the game.
The crowd at T-Mobile Arena, which included notable figures like former President Barack Obama, witnessed several highlight moments. A LeBron James block leading to a Devin Booker 3-pointer and Steph Curry’s signature night-night pose after an and-1 layup were among the standout plays.
Edwards emerged as the top scorer with 13 points off the bench. The Canadians, despite their strong start, struggled with their shooting, ending the game with just 34% accuracy.
“The first game was what to be expected,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “But we’ll have a few chances to work a few things out.”
Both players and coaches stressed that the uneven and sometimes sloppy performance was just the beginning of their journey. “It’s good to play meaningful games in July,” Curry noted.
The Starting Lineup
Coach Kerr’s starting lineup featured LeBron James, Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Jrue Holiday, and Joel Embiid. The choice of a three-guard lineup was strategic, given Canada’s guard-heavy and center-light roster. Holiday’s inclusion was particularly aimed at testing his defensive prowess against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a potential matchup for the Olympics.
“I try to do my job to the best of my ability,” Holiday said. “I’m a real competitor. I do the best I can, trying to make everyone around me better and do what it takes to win.”
Kerr indicated that the lineup would continue to evolve as they explore different rotations and combinations leading up to the Olympics. Embiid, despite fouling out in the third quarter, remains a critical piece of the puzzle, though concerns about his conditioning and ability to guard floor-stretching bigs persist.
Canada’s Strong Contenders
Canada, a formidable contender for a medal, boasts a lineup that includes five current NBA players and a 2023-24 MVP finalist in Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite their potential, the Canadians also displayed rust, with none of their starters playing more than 18 minutes in this exhibition match.
The depth of NBA talent in Canada is notable, with their bench also consisting entirely of NBA players from the previous season.
Team USA and Team Canada – Ongoing Rivalries
The game also rekindled the heated rivalry between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks. An early shove from Brooks sent LeBron to the floor, which LeBron quickly reciprocated with a shoulder and elbow check. The tension between the two, dating back to a playoff incident two years ago, added a layer of drama to the exhibition.
“It’s normal,” Brooks said of the booing from the largely pro-Lakers crowd. “They know who I am, they want to boo me. It’s normal.”
Team USA Challenges
Team USA’s roster was incomplete, with Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to knee issues. Grant Hill, the director of USA Basketball, explained that Leonard’s withdrawal was a mutual decision with the Clippers based on his health.
“It’s tough,” Hill said. “We were all in alignment going in and there’s always a possibility of someone getting hurt. I applaud him for coming here and willing to sacrifice. Ultimately, it didn’t work out.”
Hill also addressed social media claims by Celtics forward Jaylen Brown that Nike influences team selections, dismissing them as unfounded theories.
Team USA now heads to Abu Dhabi for two games before traveling to London for two more, all part of their preparations for the Paris Olympics.
- Boxscore
| Starters/ Bench | AST | PTS |
| Devin Booker | 2 | 9 |
| Lebron James | 3 | 7 |
| Joel Embid | 2 | 5 |
| Stephen Curry | 3 | 12 |
| Jrue Holiday | 4 | 11 |
| Anthony Edwards | 1 | 13 |
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