The road to the Paris Olympics for Team USA’s basketball squad began with a bang – and a bit of a fizzle – against Canada in their FIBA warm-up game. In a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, USA overcame a rough start to secure an 86-72 victory. Let’s break down the action, with a dash of humor, as we relive the highs and lows of this thrilling encounter.
A Rocky Start
The game began with the USA team looking like they had just woken up from a long nap. Canada’s squad, featuring NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and Dwight Powell, came out swinging. Within the blink of an eye, Team USA found themselves trailing 1-11. It was as if the USA players had forgotten they were supposed to be playing basketball and not taking a leisurely stroll in the park.
Kevin Durant was notably absent from the lineup, leaving the heavy lifting to Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. But the star-studded lineup seemed out of sync, much like a jazz band without a rhythm section.
The Bench Brigade to the Rescue
Seeing the starters flounder, the USA coach decided it was time to shake things up. In came the bench players, and suddenly, the game had a new vibe. Anthony Davis, affectionately known as AD, took the court and made an immediate impact. The first quarter ended with USA clawing back to a more respectable 14-21.
Defense Wins the Day
In the second quarter, Team USA decided it was time to remind everyone why they’re favorites for the Olympics. They tightened their defense to the point where Canada couldn’t even see the basket, let alone score. Jayson Tatum capped off the quarter with a spin move so elegant it should have been in a ballet recital, scoring in the final moments. The USA outscored Canada 27-12 in the second quarter, heading into halftime with an eight-point lead.
AD’s Dominance
The second half saw Joel Embiid picking up his fifth foul midway through the third quarter, a moment that could have spelled disaster for the USA. But AD was there to pick up the slack. He was everywhere – blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and even swiping a few steals. His stat line read like a video game: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. Anthony Edwards also stepped up, leading the team with 13 points.
Closing it Out
With the game firmly in hand, the USA coach decided to let some of the less-heralded players enjoy the limelight. The final minutes turned into what can only be described as “garbage time,” with both teams just running out the clock. Team USA cruised to a 14-point victory, but not before giving their fans a minor heart attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthony Davis, with his impressive performance off the bench, scoring 10 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and adding 2 steals and 4 blocks.
Team USA won with a final score of 86-72.
Team USA outscored Canada 27-12 in the second quarter, turning the tide in their favor.
Anthony Edwards, who scored 13 points.
Joel Embiid played well but had to leave in the third quarter due to foul trouble.
Conclusion
The FIBA warm-up game between the USA and Canada was a tale of two halves. After a dismal start, Team USA found their footing thanks to a stellar performance from their bench, particularly Anthony Davis. With Durant sidelined, it was up to the rest of the team to step up, and they did just that. The game served as a wake-up call and a reminder that even the best teams need to bring their A-game from the opening tip-off. As the road to the Paris Olympics continues, fans can rest assured that Team USA is gearing up for greatness – with a few laughs along the way.
