U.S. Capture Third Win of USA Basketball Showcase, Down Spain 98-88

13 August 2023

USA 98, ESP 88

The U.S. came away with a 98-88 win over host country Spain at Carpena Sports Palace in Malaga, Spain, in the third game of the USA Basketball Showcase.

The USA Basketball Showcase will span three continents (USA, ESP, UAE) and see the USA Men’s National Team take on some of the top teams in the World as it prepares for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup.

The U.S. will now head to Abu Dhabi and host Greece and Germany. The USA’s games will be a part of International Basketball Week which includes games featuring the national teams from Lebanon, Egypt and Mexico as they prepare for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup.

View the USA-Spain box score here.

TEAM NOTES

Historically Speaking: The USA Men’s National Team now owns a 25-2 record against Spain. The United States have faced Spain in seven exhibitions since 1992, tying Australia as the Americans most-played opponent in such games.

The last time the two teams played was at the 2020 Olympic Games in the quarterfinal. The USA won that game, 95-81.

Four Spanish players on the 2023 FIBA World Cup roster were on Spain’s 2020 Olympic roster: Rudy Fernandez, Victor Claver, Willy Hernangomez and Alberto Abalde.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa: The USA and Spain went back and forth and played a close game before the U.S. pushed ahead in the final frame.

In the second quarter, the U.S. took advantage of a 6-0 run to end the half with a 10-point advantage (55-45).

The start of the third quarter, however, belonged to Spain. The opposition scored the first nine points in the half, bringing the game back within one (55-54) with 7:44 remaining in the game.

The two teams traded baskets and ended the third closely contested (73-72). The U.S. outscored the Spainiards 25-16 in the quarter.

Breaking News: The Americans had 24 fastbreak points while Spain recorded only two. The red, white and blue have been great in transition and have outscored their opponents 71-13 on the break in three games.

Shot Chart: The USA shot 66.6% (40-60 FG) from the field and 55.6% (10-18 3FG) from beyond the arc. They held Spain to 42.5% (31-73 FG) from the field and 39.3% (11-28 3FG) from 3. The U.S. is shooting a blistering 56.7% (127-224 FG) through three games.

PLAYER NOTES

Just Being Jalen: Jalen Brunson was the guiding light for the Americans. In the first half, he scored 16 points and did not miss a shot (7-7 FG, 2-2 3FG). His scoring came at critical times, as he converted 14 of his 16 first-half points while the U.S. either trailed or led by one possession.

He finished with 21 points (9-9 FG, 2-2 3FG) and shot 100% from the field. He also recorded five assists and three rebounds.

Teamer T: Tyrese Haliburton led the team in assists, racking up 12 helpers for the second time (12 vs. PUR). Through three games, he has collected 30 assists and is averaging 10.0 per contest.

Consistency Kills: Anthony Edwards registered 11 points (5-11 FG) to go along with a team-leading eight rebounds. Edwards has scored in double-figures in all three contests.