Dribbles: Team USA Survives Scare From Australia In Olympics Tuneup

Random dribbles following Team USA’s 98-92 win over Australia in an exhibition game in Abu Dhabi as the squads ready for the Paris Olympics.

1. This was probably a lot closer than anyone expected, including perhaps even Australia.

2. The Boomers got some impressive showings from NBA players — Houston Rockets forward Jock Landale scored 20 points with seven rebounds and six assists, while Josh Giddey tallied 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Dyson Daniels added 14 points. Giddey is new to the Chicago Bulls; Daniels new to the Atlanta Hawks. 

3. Just like in the NBA, success in international competition is based on chemistry and determination, as opposed to just throwing together a bunch of big names. The Aussies always play hard. The Americans generally do, but couldn’t be blamed if they had a tough time getting up for these scrimmages.

4. The Americans are also the oldest team at the Olympics with the likes of LeBron James (10 points), Kevin Durant (out with a minor calf injury) and Stephen Curry (three points). So far, the likes of Anthony Edwards (14 points) and Anthony Davis (17) have been the biggest difference-makers.

5. This was a four-point game with 30 seconds to go, then Devin Booker hit a jumper in the lane and two free throws to seal the deal. Whew.

6. There will not be a better team defensively in the Olympics, and that more than anything is why I believe the gold is the Americans lose. They have really turned it up in that area when needed in their two exhibitions. On both occasions (the first was a win over Canada), the opponent could barely get the ball past halfcourt.

7. Basically, the USA can match anyone offensively, for the most part — but it is their athleticism, strength and experience on defense that sets them apart. All it will take is real effort and avoiding frustration or falling apart emotionally. I don’t foresee any of that being a problem.

8. Sidenote: I’ve been wrong before. I will be again. I promise. Just probably not about this.

9. James does look like he’s on his last legs to me, albeit still very good. It’s just a different kind of great. On one hand, it’s a bit surprising he’d want to put himself through another full-scale run during the offseason at the age of 39. On the other, he knows these will be his last Olympics. Can’t blame him for wanting to add another gold medal to his legacy.

10. But man, I sure don’t know if LeBron, Davis and new coach JJ Redick are gonna be enough to get an otherwise very average Lakers team beyond the first or second round in the loaded Western Conference. There’s still time, but this Los Angeles roster isn’t scaring anyone.

11. Anyway, back to Team USA. Coach Steve Kerr and the group get Nikola Jokic and Serbia in another Abu Dhabi exhibition, this one on Wednesday. It’ll be televised by FS1 at noon EST. The U.S. and Serbia open real Olympic play against each other on Sunday, July 28.