LAS VEGAS – Amid record-breaking heat in Las Vegas, the T-Mobile Arena provided a welcome respite as basketball fans packed in to watch an exhibition game between Team USA and Team Canada. The sold-out matchup gave fans a preview of the teams’ lineups ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Team USA Lineup:
- Starters:
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Reserves:
- Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) – out due to calf injury
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
- Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
Team Canada Lineup:
First Five vs 🇨🇦 Canada
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 11, 2024
🇺🇸 @StephenCurry30
🇺🇸 @DevinBook
🇺🇸 @Jrue_Holiday11
🇺🇸 @KingJames
🇺🇸 @JoelEmbiid
📺 @FS1 pic.twitter.com/B2eRXNdS1z
- Starters:
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets)
- RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors)
- Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks)
- Reserves:
- Khem Birch (Girona)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Melvin Ejim (Unicaja)
- Trey Lyles (Sacramento Kings)
- Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers)
- Kelly Olynyk (Toronto Raptors)
Earlier, it was announced that Kawhi Leonard had withdrawn from Team USA to focus on recovering for the upcoming NBA season. Derrick White was called in as his replacement, adding another champion to the roster.
Our starting 5⃣, presented by @cetaphil #SMNT pic.twitter.com/ttXWk1X0VK
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) July 11, 2024
Game Recap:
Team Canada struck first, ending the first quarter with a 21-14 lead as Team USA struggled with turnovers. However, Anthony Edwards sparked a resurgence in the second quarter, helping Team USA gain a 41-33 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Team USA tighten their game, with improved ball movement and defensive plays. Despite Joel Embiid fouling out, Team USA extended their lead to 69-54. They maintained this momentum in the fourth quarter, securing an 86-72 victory over Team Canada.
Notable Performances:
- Anthony Davis: Recorded 11 rebounds, 10 points, and 4 blocks in 19 minutes.
- Stephen Curry: Hit 3-for-6 from behind the arc.
- Devin Booker: Boasted an 80% field-goal percentage.
Upcoming Team USA Exhibition Games:
- Game 1: July 10 vs. Team Canada
- Game 2: July 15 vs. Australia in Abu Dhabi, UAE (9 a.m. PT, FS1)
- Game 3: July 17 vs. Serbia in Abu Dhabi, UAE (9 a.m., FS1)
- Game 4: July 20 vs. South Sudan in London, UK (Noon, FOX)
- Game 5: July 22 vs. Germany in London, UK (Noon, FOX)