NBA

Curry Says Team USA Has “A Lot To Clean Up” After Win Over Australia

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Anthony Cardenas
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Anthony Cardenas Sports Editor

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Published15 Jul 2024

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As is typically the case, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant heading the squad of the NBA’s elite.

Team USA Beats Australia By 6 Points In Exhibition Game

But while it makes sense as to why they are the heavy favorites, their showings in the first two exhibition games have been anything but convincing.

It started on Wednesday night with their game against Canada. The neighbors to the north have one of the more impressive rosters in the tournament this season, and put up a good fight against Team USA before eventually losing by a score of 86-72. While the score appeared to be decisive, it wasn’t the dominating performance that was expected out of the Americans.

Then, they went up against Team Australia on Monday. USA built what became a 20-point lead at point juncture of the game, but the Australians rallied late, and were able to close the final margin to 6 and the Americans came out with a 98-92 victory. The spread was set at +20.5 at Olympics sportsbooks, so many who had faith in Australia to loose with up to 20 points or win were in luck.

Curry Says Team Has A Lot To Clean Up

There were obvious flaws in the performance of Team USA, most notably inside the paint. Australia made a conscious effort to attack inside, and they scored an astounding 68 points in the paint during the 40-minute contest. USA struggled with unfamiliarity, as well.

After the game, cameras caught Curry as he made his way back into the locker room. He certainly seemed to be in good spirits, but mentioned that the team has a lot to clean up. He concluded by saying that it was “good vibes today”.

The team will get an added lift when Kevin Durant returns. He has been dealing with a leg ailment during the training and exhibition portion of the schedule for Team USA, and has yet to play in the games or scrimmages. There is hope that he will be fully available when the tournament kicks off during the final week in July, and the Americans might need him more than they had expected to.