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Team USA shook off a wobbly start on Wednesday night to take down Canada in their exhibition game in Las Vegas. Anthony Edwards led the way for the Americans with 13 points and three rebounds, while RJ Barrett had a team-high 12 points for Canada.
The Canadians started hot on both ends, taking an 11-1 lead halfway through the first quarter. However, Steph Curry caught fire, and Team USA's defense picked up in the second period, led by Anthony Davis.
It was still a close game midway through the third quarter before the United States pulled away to take a comfortable 86-72 win. However, it wasn't a perfect performance but good enough for a team that had four days to get in sync.
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Five things we learned about Team USA's win over Canada
1. LeBron James and Steph Curry are fun to watch as teammates
LeBron James and Steph Curry are two of the greatest players of their generation. They are finally teammates outside the friendly setting of the All-Star game and into a competitive one under FIBA rules.
The duo looked great together as teammates and were very fun to watch. It will be a treat for fans at the Olympics whenever they share the court, along with Kevin Durant, another player who should be considered among the best of his generation.
2. Anthony Davis might need to start over Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid had a rough night in his debut for Team USA, finishing with just five points in 12 minutes. He had a hard time getting the usual calls under FIBA rules and couldn't even get his rhythm against Dwight Powell. He even fouled out in the third quarter.
Anthony Davis stepped up to finish with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while being an anchor on defense. It's just one game, but Davis might need to start with Embiid. However, it will likely be about matchups moving forward, as Canada was playing small ball.
3. Defense will be key for Team USA
Canada had Team USA rattled in the first quarter before regaining their composure in the second. The Americans even turned up their defense led by Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo.
Defense will likely be the key for them to win another gold at the Olympics. They also showed a lot of heart and hustle in an exhibition game, which is a great sign moving forward.
4. Anthony Edwards might be right
After arriving at training camp in Las Vegas, Anthony Edwards proclaimed that he was the No. 1 option for Team USA in the Olympics. He might be right with his assessment by scoring a team-high 13 points in the win over Canada.
Steve Kerr won't be afraid to use Edwards as a starter or off the bench because he knows the 22-year-old guard will be ready to bring it every game. The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has taken the leap and should be one of the best players for the United States at the Olympics.
5. Will Kevin Durant be on the starting lineup when healthy?
Kevin Durant has not participated in any practice or scrimmage for Team USA due to a minor calf injury. It kept him out of Wednesday's game and will be monitored moving forward, going into their showcase games in Abu Dhabi, London and Lille.
Kerr went small ball with his starting five of Steph Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. If KD was healthy, he will likely be in the starting lineup over his Phoenix Suns teammate.
