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For a minute, it looked like Gregg Popovich and Team USA were going to head to Tokyo on a tough note.
The men’s national basketball team, having already lost two of their exhibition games, followed Spain towards the end of the third quarter on Sunday night in Las Vegas. While the game is of no technical significance, another loss as the Olympics draw near would be of great concern.
Still, thanks to a strong defensive position in the third, the US team rallied to beat Spain 83-76 – securing a key victory in the final exhibition match before Olympic competition began on Friday.
The United States team closes Spain for final victory
The United States team amassed just 14 points in the first period and missed its first six shots of the night. The US team found themselves in a two-point hole at halftime against Spain – who are, after the Americans, widely regarded as the favorites to compete for a medal at the Games.
After the first difficulties and the consecutive defeats to start the exhibition match, it is easy to worry.
However, halfway through the third quarter, the Americans have finally found their game.
Team USA eventually regained the lead from a big 3-point pointer from Damian Lillard before ending the period on a 12-5 streak – while keeping Spain just 12 points in the quarter for claim a seven-point lead. Spain also scored just one field goal in the final six minutes of the quarter.
At that time, Spain seemed out of the question. The United States went through the fourth quarter and earned seven points – their second in a row.
Ricky Rubio led Spain with 23 points and three rebounds, and Marc Gasol scored 10 points. These two, however, were the only ones to score in double digits for Spain. The team also recorded 20 total turnovers, compared to just eight for the US team.
Lillard led the United States with 19 points and six assists, and Keldon Johnson added 15 off the bench – including 10 in the third quarter as he clocked a perfect 5-of-5 on the pitch in his opener. with the team. Johnson joined the team after Bradley Beal tested positive for COVID-19. Kevin Love also left the team due to a calf injury and was replaced by JaVale McGee. Kevin Durant lost 14 points and Zach LaVine finished with 13 points.
What’s next for Team USA?
The U.S. team will now travel to Tokyo, where the opening ceremony for the rescheduled Olympics will take place on Friday.
Their first group game will take place on Sunday against France – which together with Iran and the Czech Republic make up Group A. The United States will then face Iran on Wednesday before closing the group stage with the Czech Republic on next Saturday. .
While the early stages to the Olympics weren’t always great, Popovich and his team will travel to Tokyo on a three-game winning streak. It remains to be seen whether this will result in a fourth consecutive gold medal.
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