The U.S. Olympic team faced a mix of positive and negative outcomes on Monday during their exhibition game against Australia. Anthony Davis and Tyrese Haliburton were standout players, with Davis scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while Haliburton contributed crucial 3-pointers. The U.S. secured a 98-92 victory, improving their record to 2-0 in the five-game exhibition series leading up to the Paris Olympics. Other notable scorers for the American team included Devin Booker with 16 points and Anthony Edwards with 14.
Australia’s Jock Landale led his team with 20 points, supported by Josh Giddey’s 17 points and Dyson Daniels’ 14 points. Despite the U.S. initially holding a 24-point lead in the third quarter, a strong performance by Australia led to a significant comeback, cutting the lead to just six points. However, Haliburton’s consecutive 3-pointers helped the U.S. regain control and secure the win.
In a pattern mirrored from a previous game against Canada, the U.S. team’s second unit played a pivotal role in shifting the game’s momentum. This lineup, including Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker, proved to be a formidable force. U.S. coach Steve Kerr recognized the effectiveness of this strategy, emphasizing the depth of talent on the American team as a significant advantage over opponents.
One concerning issue for the U.S. team was turnovers. Following 15 turnovers in the previous exhibition game against Canada, they committed 18 turnovers against Australia, providing their opponents with opportunities to capitalize and fuel their comeback. The Americans yielded 25 points off turnovers in the second half alone, highlighting the need to address this area of weakness.
Injury updates were also a focus, with Kevin Durant missing his second consecutive game due to a calf strain. It is uncertain whether Durant will be available for the upcoming game against Serbia. Derrick White, who recently joined the team, did not play as he adjusts to his new role. White replaced Kawhi Leonard on the roster, with Leonard sidelined due to knee issues.
As the U.S. team continues its exhibition series in Abu Dhabi, fans and analysts are closely monitoring the team’s performance and developments ahead of the Paris Olympics.