The US men’s basketball team changed its lineup in the warm-up match against Australia: Durant was out, Tatum and Edwards came on American basketball fans, get ready for big changes! The team will change the lineup in the warm-up match against Australia in Abu Dhabi, which has caused quite a stir. With Kevin Durant sidelined with a calf injury, head coach Steve Kerr decided to mix things up. Let’s dive into the details and see how these changes might impact the game.
New lineup: New faces in starting five
Durant’s absence means new opportunities for other stars. The new starting lineup will include Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Yes, Edwards and Tatum are replacing Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker. Coach Kerr explained, “I told everyone a few days ago that I would try different combinations in the next few warm-ups before I finalize anything.”
Why change?
Kerr’s decision to make the switch wasn’t just due to Durant’s injury. “We have one to two weeks to decide on the lineup, so we’ll make adjustments every day based on what we see,” he said. It’s clear that Cole is using these warm-up games to experiment and find the best combination before the team heads to Paris for the Olympics.
Game Strategy: New Dynamics
The additions of Edwards and Tatum have brought new energy to the team. Known for his explosive scoring, Edwards will likely add aggression to the offense. Tatum is expected to be the perfect complement to LeBron and Embiid with his versatility and defensive abilities.
Warm-up match review: USA vs Australia
The match against Australia proved to be an exciting one. Anthony Edwards showed his scoring prowess from the start, scoring in double digits in the first quarter alone. Despite a strong start, the teams ended the first quarter tied.
The United States took the lead in the second quarter, but Australia’s Josh Giddey struggled to find his rhythm. Key contributions from Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid helped the U.S. extend its lead, ending the half at 53-37.
Second half: Hold the line
Australia came out strong in the second half, with Dyson Daniels scoring early. However, Anthony Davis continued to dominate the paint, helping Team USA stay ahead. The Australian team went on a 14-2 run at the end of the third quarter, bringing them within striking distance, but Edwards and Embiid stepped up to give the US team a 76-61 lead entering the final quarter. .
Final section: tense moments
In the fourth quarter of the game, the two teams played very fiercely. Josh Guidy’s breakaway and Paddy Mills’ sharp shot kept Australia in pursuit, reducing the gap to just six points. Team USA called a timeout to regroup. Tyrese Haliburton then hit two key three-pointers to push the lead back to double digits. Despite a late offensive attack by Australia, including baskets by Jock Langdale and Guiddy, the Americans won 98-92.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kevin Durant is out with a calf injury. Head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Durant will be monitored every day, but he will not participate in this game.
Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum will replace Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker in the starting lineup.
The warm-up match against the Australian team is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi at 12 noon on the 16th.
The US team will play against Serbia in Abu Dhabi at 12:00 noon on the 18th, the South Sudan team will play against the German team in London at 3:00 am on the 21st, and the German team will play against the German team in London at 3:00 am on the 23rd. , then headed to Paris for the second game.
Conclusion
In the warm-up match against Australia, coach Steve Kerr’s lineup changes and strategic adjustments are laying the foundation for an exciting road to the Olympics. With Kevin Durant out, the new dynamic of Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum promises to bring new energy and versatility to the team. As Team USA continues to prepare for more warm-up games, fans can look forward to seeing how these changes unfold and contribute to their success in Paris.
