LeBron James and Dillon Brooks clash in Team USA's victory over Canada - Marca English

Team USA beat Canada 86-72 on Wednesday in Las Vegas in their first preparation game ahead of the Olympic Games.

Led by a robust performance from Anthony Edwards and Anthony Davis, the Americans showcased their depth and resilience despite missing Kevin Durant due to injury.

LeBron James sets his sights on a fourth Olympic gold, warns Team USA that 'talent can only get you so far'

Dillon Brooks & LeBron James heated exchange

The game started with palpable tension due to a heated exchange between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks early in the proceedings.

Brooks, who had been vocal about his team's ambitions, reaffirmed his stance in a pre-game statement, asserting, "Our time was last year. And now (it's) our time for this year. But instead of getting bronze, we want the gold."

Team USA struggled initially to find their rhythm, trailing 21-14 at the end of the first quarter.

However, their lineup adjustments and defensive prowess gradually shifted the momentum in their favor.

Despite missing key players like Durant, Team USA capitalized on its deep roster, showcasing the versatility of its NBA stars.

The exhibition also provided valuable insights for both teams ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

"I'm happy that they're playing because, you know, we get to test our talents against theirs. And you know, it should be a fun one," Brooks shared, reflecting on the competitive nature of the matchup.

Looking ahead, Team USA will face further challenges in their remaining exhibition games against Australia, Serbia, South Sudan, and Germany.

Each game will serve as crucial preparation before they embark on their quest for a fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris.

Here is the schedule for Team USA's showcase games ahead of the Olympic Games:

• USA vs Australia, Monday July 15th
• USA vs Serbia, Wednesday July 17th
• USA vs South Sudan, Saturday, July 20
• USA vs Germany, Monday, July 22

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2024-07-11 05:23:21Z