The USA Men’s National Basketball Team defeated Team Canada, 86-72, in the USA Basketball Showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada to start their journey to the Paris Olympics on a good note. 

Team USA overcame a sluggish start in the first quarter to dominate Team Canada. The Americans opened the game 0-8 from the field but finished strong, shooting 50% overall. They also won every major statistic on the board, including rebounds (53-48), assists (25-18), steals (11-5), and blocks (9-1).

Anthony Edwards led Team USA in scoring with 13 points on 6-10 shooting off the bench while Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday chipped in with 12 and 11 respectively. Anthony Davis was perhaps the player of the game who was physical and aggressive against the much smaller Canadian frontline. Davis finished with a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while blocking 4 shots just by himself, more than the entire output of Team Canada.

Team Canada led early in the first quarter courtesy of baskets from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett. The Canadians used their length and speed on the guard and wing spots, forcing Team USA to 8 turnovers in the first half. However, Team USA got into their groove in the second half behind a Vegas strong crowd to go on to the victory.

Team USA’s victory is the first of their 5 upcoming USA Basketball Showcase exhibition games. This is in preparation of their upcoming Olympic run in Paris, which starts on July 26. Team USA is in Group C alongside Serbia, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan.

Team USA will now fly to Abu Dhabi to continue their preparation for the Paris Olympics. The USA Basketball Showcase goes to the Middle East when Team USA faces Australia and Serbia in Abu Dhabi then onto London against South Sudan and Germany.