Team USA tops Spain in third straight exhibition win
Malaga, Spain — The USA Men’s National Basketball Team won their third straight showcase exhibition game on Sunday in a 98-88 win against Spain.
Jalen Brunson had a flawless performance for the U.S., going 9-for-9 from the field and scoring 21 points, with 16 of those points coming in the first half.
“It’s an unreal environment,” said Brunson, “The Spanish fans and that team out there were amazing. But as a team for us, we find a way to stay locked in together and still find a way to win.”
As the United States starting big man, Jaren Jackson Jr. has successfully led the front court throughout their exhibition tour, with a 14-point, five-rebound, and three-block performance in their win over Spain.
“We’re coming together. Our chemistry is getting better,” Jackson Jr. said. “Every game, we’re going to get better.”
Mikal Bridges finished with 12 points, and both Anthony Edwards and Brandon Ingram scored 11 points each for the U.S.
As a whole, team USA shot 66.6% from the field on 40–for-60 attempts, including 55.6% from beyond the three on 10-of-18.
“It’s a great basketball game,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “Wonderful atmosphere. A great challenge for us in our one true road game on this tour. Very proud of our guys playing against a great team. Spain made the run and took the lead in the third quarter. I love the way our players responded and closed the third quarter and started the fourth.”
With a 3–0 record, the U.S. team continues its successful exhibition tour in preparation for the World Cup in Manila, Philippines.
Upcoming matchups include two games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where they will take on Greece on Friday, August 18th, and Germany on Sunday, August 20th. Both games, airing at 9 a.m. PDT, will be broadcast on FS1 and Fox.
The U.S. kicks off its World Cup journey on Saturday, August 26th, against New Zealand at 5:40 a.m. PDT, followed by a match against Greece on Monday, August 28th, at 5:40 a.m. PDT.
