Team USA gets a scare from Australia, but still wins 98-92 in Abu Dhabi

Perhaps the eight-hour time difference in Abu Dhabi played a role, but the U.S. team played a more exciting game against Australia on Monday than many expected.

The Americans eventually won 98-92, but an Australian team featuring several NBA players provided impressive opposition in their exhibition game at Etihad Arena. Jock Landale scored 20 points with seven rebounds and six assists, while Josh Giddey had 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Dyson Daniels added 14.

It was a four-point game with 30 seconds left, but Devin Booker sealed the game with a jumper in the lane and two free throws at the end. Tyrese Haliburton also made two clutch 3-pointers to prevent Australia from cutting the margin to two points or tying the score.

That salvaged a relatively sluggish offensive performance from Team USA, which seemed content to rely on the talents of its star players rather than execute plays throughout the game. Still, Australia has been a tough opponent for the Americans, winning exhibition games in 2019 and 2021. Landale has found success inside, while Australia’s guards often scored on drives to the basket.

Anthony Davis led Team USA with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in a dominant performance in the paint. Until the end, it looked like Anthony Edwards would lead the Americans and establish himself as the No. 1 option. He scored 14 points and made 3 of 5 3-point shots. As a team, USA shot 41% from 3-point range.

Booker ultimately finished ahead of Edwards with his late baskets, good for 16 points. LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo each scored 10 points. Jayson Tatum led Team USA with five assists. However, 18 turnovers showed that these players are still learning how to play with each other, leading to mistakes that opponents can capitalize on.

Kevin Durant missed his second straight practice game, again sidelined with a calf injury. Coach Steve Kerr told reporters Saturday that the plan is to monitor Durant day by day and use the next few weeks before making a decision on the roster. The team has already lost Kawhi Leonard, replacing him with Derrick White.

Next up for the U.S. men’s basketball team is an exhibition game with Serbia and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic — against whom they open the Olympics — on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. That game starts at noon ET and will be televised on FS1.