Team USA’s perfect record was in jeopardy in the USA Basketball Showcase’s last game, a practice match versus Germany. Anthony Edwards intervened at that point.
Team USA finishes their five-game USAB World Cup exhibition trip
On Sunday in Abu Dhabi, Team USA trailed by 16 points late in the third quarter but rallied to defeat Germany 99-91. Team USA finishes their five-game USAB World Cup exhibition trip with a perfect 5-0 record thanks to the win.
In an article from USA Today, the 22-year-old guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards, led the way with 34 points, six rebounds, and two assists. He was outstanding on defense as well, putting pressure on the men he was guarding, aiding in a few steals late in the game, and blocking two shots. Team USA’s other starters scored a total of 25, nine fewer than Edwards.
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Edwards was essential to Team USA’s defensive performance in final quarter
A little more than five minutes remained in the game when Germany led 86-80 before Edwards tied it with a pair of back-to-back threes in a 40-second stretch. Edwards, who had earlier seemed to roll his ankle as he landed awkwardly in search of a rebound, was subsequently essential to Team USA’s defensive performance in the final quarter, keeping Germany scoreless for just over six minutes.
Team USA scored 18 points without receiving a response at one point in the fourth quarter.
Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves both contributed 16 points.
The USA Basketball team’s five-game World Cup preparation tour is now complete. The United States will play three World Cup group games in the Philippines after defeating Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, and Germany. On August 26, Team USA will play New Zealand, followed by Greece on August 28 and Jordan on August 30, reports Yahoo Sports.