The recent exhibition game between Team USA and Australia in Abu Dhabi left many fans and analysts with mixed feelings. While Team USA ultimately secured a narrow victory, the disjointed second half performance raised some concerns about the team’s readiness for the upcoming Olympics.
One of the key factors contributing to Team USA’s struggles was the absence of Kevin Durant, who is expected to join the team for the remaining pre-Olympics test runs. Head coach Steve Kerr had to adjust his starting lineup and relied heavily on Joel Embiid at the center position, who was outplayed by Anthony Davis.
Despite some standout performances from Davis, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker, the team’s overall energy and effectiveness seemed to be lacking. The reliance on isolation plays and individual efforts, rather than team defense and ball movement, was evident in the second half against Australia.
Kerr’s challenge moving forward will be to find the right mix of players and strategies to maximize the team’s talent. While there were moments of promising ball movement and offensive execution in the first half, the team struggled to maintain consistency and gave up easy baskets inside the paint throughout the game.
Looking ahead to future matchups, particularly against teams like France and Serbia, Team USA will need to focus on improving their defensive effort and execution. Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, poses a significant threat with their outside shooting and offensive firepower.
Overall, the exhibition game against Australia served as a wake-up call for Team USA. With the Olympics fast approaching, the team will need to address their defensive shortcomings and find ways to better utilize their talented roster in order to compete at the highest level.
