2023-08-14 00:02:22
Spain’s fifth victory against the powerful United States team will have to keep waiting. At least until the World Cup. Sergio Scariolo’s team took another step in their preparation for the championship, standing up to the great favourite, whom they dreamed of surprising for 35 minutes, until a final stage in which the North Americans imposed their quality and physical exuberance. And it is that this combination of the stars and stripes may not be as well known and brilliant in terms of names as others, but it is the same or even more competitive. A good group of guys with great numbers night after night in the NBA.
Jalen Brunson started unstoppable. The New York Knicks point guard, one of the best against Slovenia, scored seven points in a flash and led the first significant North American lead at 5-12. Spain reacted well thanks to the Hernangómez, two NBA players for many years who have returned to European basketball this season and wanted to show their status as stars against the United States. Between the two brothers they put one more gear into the Spanish game and matched the hectic pace imposed by the men of the laureate Steve Kerr from the first second to 18-17.
Scariolo moved the bench and Santi Aldama, who is still NBA and increasingly important, took over. That of the Memphis Grizzlies, a modern interior, one of those who handle the ball and move like a small player, continues to amaze a Spanish fans who know little about him due to his training in American basketball.
spain
Juan Núñez (8), Abrines (12), Abalde, Juancho Hernangómez (11) and Willy Hernangómez (13) -initial quintet-; Alberto Díaz (6), Brizuela (8), Rudy Fernández (6), Parra (6), Claver (2), Pradilla (2) and Aldama (14).
88
–
98
USA
Jalen Brunson (23), Anthony Edwards (9), Ingram (11), Bridges (12) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (14) -starting five-; Haliburton (4), Hart, Reaves (11), Cam Johnson (9), Banchero (3), Portis (2) and Kessler.
Partials: 28-26, 17-29, 27-18 and 16-25.
Referees: Hierrezuelo, Peruga and Conde. The FEB paid homage to the Málaga referee in his last game.
Incidents: Third and last game of the FEB Centenary Tournament played at the Martín Carpena in Málaga before 10,850 spectators.
Only the enormous North American success from the triple and the voracious scoring of Brunson, who went to 16 points with half the game to go, allowed him to maintain a slight advantage throughout the second set. The break was approaching and Steve Kerr’s team did not see the outlook clearly after the ride the day before against a Slovenia without Doncic. It was there that Team USA flexed their legs, pressed on defense and ran on the counter to finish above the rim. In an instant he was up ten (45-55) until he made his way to the locker room. This is how the hegemonic power of basketball spends them.
great reaction
The adverse set did not intimidate Spain, which returned the coin with a 9-0 start after the break and Álex Abrines unleashed, showing that he is a fundamental piece for this team due to his ability to score in short periods. Brunson, immaculate on the shot, responded to hold up the once again precarious US lead. “Go for them,” shouted the more than 10,000 people gathered at the Martín Carpena while Scariolo’s men turned the game around with two free throws from Aldama (65-64).
Rudy hit the second attempt from distance and the +4 made the Malaga crowd go crazy, dreaming of their fifth victory against the United States 21 years later. The Americans reacted, but his growth only gave for the tight 72-73 at the end of the third quarter. Ten minutes ahead and total equality, an excellent test against the best possible rival.
The great work on the rebound and a great three-pointer paid off for Spain, fully immersed in the game, but the United States reacted in time, agitated by the reality of the result. Mikal Bridges took over and Kerr’s potent team stretched their lead to 79-86. La Familia held on as best they could but Team USA put in the fifth and settled the dispute with Anthony Edwards in stellar mode for the American +11 with two minutes to go. There was no match, but the team draws positive feelings from a vibrant match against the great world power.
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