Team USA's tumultuous exhibition campaign ended on a high note as the Americans defeated reigning world champions Spain, 83-76, in Las Vegas on Sunday. Keldon Johnson impressed two days after being added to the USA men's basketball team bound for the Tokyo Olympics, sparking a pivotal third-quarter run to give the Americans just their second victory in four exhibition matches.
The two best teams in the world struggled with their offense to start the ballgame, with Spain even missing its first six shots. The Spaniards managed to take an 18-14 lead after the first quarter despite the slow start as Team USA also struggled with its outside shots.
Durant, Lillard lead the way for Team USA in the first half
The Americans missed 11 of their first 12 three-point attempts before Keldon Johnson, Kevin Durant, and Damian Lillard connected on three consecutive three-pointers to help keep Team USA afloat in the second quarter. They trailed 36-38 at the break, with Durant and Lillard each scoring 11 points in the opening half.
Durant and Lillard helped steady the ship for Team USA as they shot a combined 7 of 16 from the field in the first half. On the other hand, their teammates can't get their offensive rhythm going as they went 5 of 19 from the floor during the first 24 minutes.
Just when it looked like the Americans were headed for yet another exhibition defeat, new recruit Keldon Johnson provided the inspiration in the third quarter as he justified his unexpected selection to the national team with some solid play.
Related Article: Team USA Basketball: Tokyo Olympics and Exhibition Games Schedule
Keldon Johnson justifies selection with third-quarter explosion
With Spain holding a 46-42 lead in the third quarter, the Americans finally displayed their vaunted offensive firepower as they went on a 23-6 run that spanned the final two quarters. Johnson was instrumental in the turnaround, scoring eight points in the critical run.
Johnson got a standing ovation from the crowd upon his departure in the fourth quarter as he finished the game with 15 points on 7 of 9 shooting from the field. He was aggressive on both ends of the floor as he posted a team-best plus-18.
Many questioned Johnson's selection after Washington Wizards superstar Bradley Beal was ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Johnson provides Team USA, however, with a fresh pair of legs. His energy and his high field goal percentage will be vital weapons for an American side that is short-staffed at the moment.
Three of their key stars are still playing in the NBA Finals, with Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker logging heavy minutes as they head into Game 6. That's a major concern for head coach Gregg Popovich as the Tokyo Olympics will start in a few days.
Team USA's preparations for the Summer Games have been far from ideal with Beal and Kevin Love's sudden departures and the cancellation of their exhibition match against Australia. Their performance Sunday against a basketball powerhouse like Spain, however, shows that they can still hang with the best of them even with limited manpower.
The key for Team USA in its Olympic campaign will be its outside shooting. They showed glimpses of their potential in the win against Spain, with Durant, Lillard, and Zach LaVine combining for nine three-pointers.
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