Team USA was back in action on late Friday night, beating Spain 90-81 in Anaheim during the first of several exhibition matchups heading into the FIBA World Cup in China next month. Marcus Smart (calf) remained sidelined for the matchup, but Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown all saw minutes in the win. We'll be keeping tabs on their performances all fall long here at BSJ so here are a few takeaways from Friday night:
Starter: Kemba Walker
Box Score Line: 11 points (4/7 FG, 1/2 3PT, 2/3 FT), 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 turnovers (21 minutes)
Analysis: It's probably going to be a neck and neck race between Walker and Donovan Mitchell for the eventual best player on this team but Walker showed himself well for the second straight exhibition. He was efficient on the offensive end, using his mix of speed and footwork to create space for himself, including on this pretty stepback 3.
Shifty Kemba. #USABMNTpic.twitter.com/HYNd0ik64x
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 17, 2019
Liked the little things Kemba Walker did on this possession. Think the pass to a big/cut is a good action for him but watch when he comes off. Good patience, engages Gasol, sees the overhelp from the weakside and hits Middleton. pic.twitter.com/J1VZ7UObgH
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) August 17, 2019
Jayson Tatum threads the needle to Kyle Kuzma! #USABMNT #USAGotGame pic.twitter.com/dROBWSdcPR
— NBA (@NBA) August 17, 2019
Let’Em Know Jay ?? pic.twitter.com/IisihBhbfk
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 17, 2019
.@FCHWPO flies in for the slam! ??☘️#USABMNT | @FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/watmkdRa4I
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 17, 2019
“I’m ready to get back out there.”@JaredSGreenberg chats with @smart_MS3 as he watches his #USABMNT teammates take on Spain! pic.twitter.com/61RR1E7H7s
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 17, 2019