USA vs. Australia: A Tune-Up for the Ages

On Monday, two of the world’s most dominant basketball forces clashed in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The United States and Australia faced off in a high-stakes tune-up contest ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, and it did not disappoint.

USA and Australia face off in Abu Dhabi

The Americans, led by Coach Steve Kerr, took the win with a strong team effort, thanks in large part to standout performances from Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards. Davis led the charge with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and a slew of impressive blocks, while Booker added 16 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Edwards rounded out the trio with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Davis, Booker, and Edwards celebrate their victory

However, the Australians, led by Jock Lansdale, refused to go down without a fight. Lansdale dropped an impressive 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, spearheading the Boomers’ late-game comeback attempt. Josh Giddey added 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in 27 minutes for the Boomers.

Lansdale leads the Boomers’ comeback effort

In the end, the US emerged victorious, improving their pre-Olympic record to 2-0. The frontcourt duo of Davis and Bam Adebayo proved too much for the Australians to handle, as they wreaked havoc on both ends of the floor.

Adebayo anchors the US defense

Here is the complete box score from Monday’s clash of basketball titans:

USA vs. Australia Box Score

USA Stats

Australia Stats

The US team will look to build on this momentum as they head into the Olympics, while the Australians will regroup and reassess their strategy before the big tournament.

The US team celebrates their hard-fought victory