On Sunday, the United States’ men’s basketball team won 98-88 against Spain in Málaga, Spain, as part of its tune-up schedule for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
On Saturday, the Americans dominated Slovenia 92-62 to open their USA Basketball Showcase exhibition series against Spain, which is led by the Hernangómez brothers.
In spite of back-and-forth play for much of the game, the United States proved to be too much for Spain with its NBA talent.
In the first half, the United States and Spain traded blows, but New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson played a key role in the Americans’ 55-45 halftime lead.
A total of 16 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two rebounds were scored by Brunson in the first half. As the Americans put on an abysmal effort on both ends of the floor, the Spaniards cut the United States’ 10-point lead to just one point with a blazing start in the second half. As Spain continued dominating into the third quarter, they eventually surged back to a 65-64 lead at the end of the period.
Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards, arguably the team’s best players in the second half, helped the United States retake a 73-72 lead entering the fourth quarter.
As the U.S. closed out the game and won another victory leading up to the FIBA World Cup, it was able to maintain its late-third-quarter momentum into the fourth quarter. In Saturday’s game, the Americans shot much better from deep than they did against Slovenia, where they made 9-of-33 shots. They made 10-of-17 against Spain.
As the Americans prepare for the World Cup, this is a solid win for them against Spain.
In the first game of the FIBA World Cup, the United States will face New Zealand on Aug. 26.
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