Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
With the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup just a few weeks away, the United States men’s team had its first action in a scrimmage against Puerto Rico on Monday in Las Vegas.
It was close at halftime, with the U.S. leading by just seven points. However, a dominant second half helped Team USA earn a 117-74 victory.
Anthony Edwards and Cameron Johnson led the squad in scoring with 15 points each while Mikal Bridges was right behind them with 14.
USA Basketball @usabasketball
BI sends it back 🚫
Ant-man throws it down 🔨
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/1vbNtOOq1P
USA Basketball @usabasketball
Cam takes flight 🛫
🇺🇸 #USABMNT
📺 Watch on FS1 pic.twitter.com/xHBeJkWUDh
USA Basketball @usabasketball
Mikal doin’ it all
🇺🇸 #USABMNT
📺 FS1 pic.twitter.com/BzLxfcB5TN
Jaren Jackson Jr, Bobby Portis, Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram also reached double figures, with Jackson scoring 12 and the latter three each scoring 11.
Puerto Rico’s Tremont Waters led all scorers with 17 points while George Conditt IV had 12 and Jordan Howard had 13.
The crowd had some star representation, and others who were not in attendance were showing their appreciation for those representing the U.S. on the national stage.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
KD and Draymond court side at the USA vs. Puerto Rico game 👀 pic.twitter.com/0QiOQous0f
LeBron James @KingJames
A-R you so COLD man!!! 🫡🙏🏾👑 #TeamUSA🇺🇸
In addition to the famous fans, basketball enthusiasts shared praise for how dominant the U.S. team looked as it inched toward the World Cup.
Max Chark @maxie27
I never thought USA vs Puerto Rico would have a stranglehold on me rn, summer really does it to you #USABMNT
Automatic @automaticnba
USA on an 18-0 vs Puerto Rico rn
Hart Nation @JoshHartMuse
USA have beat Puerto Rico with a score of 117-74. Jalen Brunson looked sharp. He was great at getting to the hoop with either hand, facilitating the floor, and as always in the mid range area. USA’s next game is Aug. 12th vs Slovenia at 12:30 PM. #USA #USABMNT #Knicks pic.twitter.com/fIvT3L06kg
The U.S. will have additional tune-up games against Slovenia and Spain before the tournament games. Both nations are ranked within the Top 10 internationally, with Spain holding the No. 1 ranking.
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Bleacher Report – https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10085464-anthony-edwards-team-usa-rout-puerto-rico-in-showcase-game-ahead-of-fiba-world-cup
