On August 7, 2023, in Las Vegas, Anthony Edwards of the United States showcased his skills by dunking against Puerto Rico during an exhibition basketball game. Edwards led the team with 15 points, supported by Jalen Brunson who contributed 11 points and eight assists. The U.S. World Cup team demonstrated a well-rounded performance, defeating Slovenia 92-62 in another exhibition game.
The American team continued their winning streak in the exhibition games, making their record 2-0. Austin Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton each scored 10 points, adding to the team’s success. These exhibition games are crucial preparations before the World Cup in the Philippines.
In the previous game, the U.S. defeated Puerto Rico with an impressive 117-74 victory. The absence of Luka Doncic, the All-NBA guard from Slovenia’s team, was due to precautionary measures. Doncic played a significant role in his team’s 99-79 loss to Spain, but suffered a minor injury during the game.
The U.S. team displayed outstanding teamwork as all 12 players contributed to the scoring. Mikal Bridges scored nine points, while Cam Johnson, Paolo Banchero, and Bobby Portis each had eight points. Brandon Ingram added seven points to secure the win for the American team.
Looking ahead, the U.S. will face Spain, the top-ranked team in the world according to FIBA, in their next exhibition game. This matchup against Spain will provide another crucial stage of preparation for the American team.
After the game against Spain, the U.S. team will travel to the United Arab Emirates for games against Greece and Germany. Following these matchups, the team will proceed to Manila for the World Cup. The U.S. team’s schedule at the World Cup includes games against New Zealand, Greece, and Jordan.
In terms of roster, Slovenia had several key players from their fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, including Aleksej Nikolic, Klemen Prepelic, former Virginia center Mike Tobey, Jaka Blazic, Gregor Hrovat, Ziga Dimec, Zoran Dragic, and Jakob Cebasek. Unfortunately, Denver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar was unable to join the team due to a knee injury.
For the U.S. team, Josh Hart made his debut for USA Basketball. He missed the previous game as he finalized a four-year extension with the New York Knicks. Due to assistant coach Erik Spoelstra’s absence for the Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony, Jeff Van Gundy joined head coach Steve Kerr’s staff alongside assistants Tyronn Lue and Mark Few.
The U.S. team maintained consistency in their starting lineup, with Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, and Jaren Jackson Jr. starting for the second consecutive game.
Fortunately, this weekend’s back-to-back games for the U.S. team will likely be the only instance during their World Cup journey. Other games in Abu Dhabi and the group stage of the World Cup allow for rest days between matches.
As for the next games, Slovenia will play against Japan on August 19, while the U.S. team will face Spain in Malaga on Sunday, providing another exciting exhibition matchup.
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