The US basketball team defeated Australia 98-92 in an exhibition game held in Abu Dhabi. Anthony Davis led with 17 points and 14 rebounds, supported by Tyrese Haliburton's crucial late 3-pointers. Devin Booker added 16 points while Anthony Edwards contributed 14. Despite leading by 24 points at one stage, the US saw their lead dwindle to six in the fourth quarter before Haliburton's shots helped secure the win. Australia's Jock Landale scored 20 points, with Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels adding 17 and 14 points respectively. US coach Steve Kerr noted turnovers as a concern, with the team committing 18 in this game after 15 in their previous exhibition. Kevin Durant missed the game due to a calf strain, and Derrick White also sat out despite joining the team recently.
Here’s the big trouble sign right now for the US: turnovers. FIBA games are shorter than NBA games, 40 minutes instead of 48 minutes. That means there are fewer possessions and makes it even more imperative to not give the ball away. Which the Americans did. A lot. After committing 15 turnovers in last week’s exhibition win over Canada, the US had 18 giveaways on Monday and Australia used them to fuel the comeback effort — getting 25 points off turnovers in the second half alone. “Our turnovers, it’s all about focus and execution,” Davis said. Injury watch Kevin Durant missed his second consecutive game because of a calf strain, and with only one practice between games it wouldn’t seem likely that he plays Wednesday against Serbia either. Derrick White, who arrived in Abu Dhabi over the weekend and got into his first practice with the team on Sunday, also didn’t play. White replaced Kawhi Leonard — who deals with knee issues — on the US roster after the Americans determined last week that it wasn’t in Leonard’s best interest to play this summer.