Ahead of its quest for a fifth straight Olympic gold medal, Team USA’s men’s basketball team began its exhibition schedule Wednesday night with an 86-72 win over Canada in Las Vegas.
On the day guard Derrick White replaced forward Kawhi Leonard on the 12-man roster, Team USA hit the court against a talented Canada team projected to medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Following a slow start — including missing its first six shots — the Americans clicked in the second quarter as the Canadians went cold from the field. Team USA outscored Canada 16-2 in the paint in the second and carried a 41-33 lead into half.
Despite a run from Canada out of halftime, the U.S. extended its lead throughout the end of the third quarter and the fourth. Four Americans finished in double-digit scoring with Anthony Edwards leading the way with 13 points.
Anthony Davis recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Barrett led Team Canada with 12 points.
Team USA will now turn its attention to Australia on Monday when the teams meet in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
