With the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup just a few weeks away, the United States men’s team had its first action in a scrimmage against Puerto Rico on Monday in Las Vegas.
It was close at halftime, with the U.S. leading by just seven points. However, a dominant second half helped Team USA earn a 117-74 victory.
Anthony Edwards and Cameron Johnson led the squad in scoring with 15 points each while Mikal Bridges was right behind them with 14.
Jaren Jackson Jr, Bobby Portis, Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram also reached double figures, with Jackson scoring 12 and the latter three each scoring 11.
Puerto Rico’s Tremont Waters led all scorers with 17 points while George Conditt IV had 12 and Jordan Howard had 13.
The crowd had some star representation, and others who were not in attendance were showing their appreciation for those representing the U.S. on the national stage.
In addition to the famous fans, basketball enthusiasts shared praise for how dominant the U.S. team looked as it inched toward the World Cup.
The U.S. will have additional tune-up games against Slovenia and Spain before the tournament games. Both nations are ranked within the Top 10 internationally, with Spain holding the No. 1 ranking