After numerous blowouts and uncompetitive games, Team USA basketball finally got a scare against Team Australia.
Although Team USA eventually won 98-88, the outcome was in question up until the very end of the game.
The two teams were separated with just 4 points with under 2 minutes remaining, but a big 3-pointer from Kyrie Irving helped seal the deal for Team USA.
Irving has a tendency to hit clutch 3-pointers late in the game, and Australia fans probably felt exactly how Warriors fans felt at the end of game 7. Irving seems to relish those moments.
Carmelo Anthony had a big night for Team USA, scoring 31 points and becoming the all-time leader in points for Team USA, passing LeBron James in the process.
No other player has played in 4 Olympics like Anthony has. He has become a stable force for Team USA, always reliable to hit big shots when needed.
Patty Mills had 30 points for Team Australia, and leads the tournament in points scored. Andrew Bogut also had a big game for Team Australia with 15 points, putting on a strong performance in front of former teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
This game was a wakeup call for Team USA, and a strong indicator that they can be toppled on any given day. If these two teams end up meeting in the medal rounds, it’s going to be a fantastic rematch.
Stephen Curry was also in the news today for the Warriors. Steve Kerr has addressed the difficulties that Curry’s injuries posed for the team during the playoffs.
Even after Curry returned from his MCL sprain, he looked like he had lost a lot of his explosiveness from the regular season.
A new theory is also being speculated that Ray Allen’s comeback attempt is motivated by Curry envy, as Allen wants to return to extend his 3-point field goal record and assert his shooting supremacy over Curry.
Warriors World
Ray Allen’s Comeback Motivated by Stephen Curry?
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Local Media
NESN: Is Stephen Curry the Cause of Ray Allen’s Comeback Attempt?
CSNBA: Steve Kerr Discusses Adjustments Made Due to Stephen Curry’s Injuries
National Media
ESPN: USA Beats Australia 98-88
ESPN: USA Gets Tested by Australia