The United States’ men’s basketball troop demolished the Puerto Rico national team, 117-74, to open up their exhibition slates in preparation for this year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup.
After an intensive four-day training camp in Sin City, the Americans looked sharp and well rounded on Monday night as they stamped a solid first impression for themselves ahead of the grand showpiece with seven players registering double-digit points.
Both Cam Johnson and Anthony Edwards led the U.S. in scoring with 15 points each, while Mikal Bridges added 14.
Jaren Jackson Jr. had 12, while the trio of Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram and Bobby Portis chipped in 11 markers.
The T-Mobile Arena crowd in Las Vegas have showered Team USA with outpouring cheers as the youthful, promising national squad came up big to their performance. Los Angeles Lakers darling Austin Reaves received his own warm reception, while chants of “Bobby!” were roaring in support of Milwaukee Bucks beloved fan-favorite in Portis.
In a losing effort, the Puerto Ricans relied on Tremont Waters’s 17 points with George Conditt IV finishing with 10.
The Americans are now preparing to fly overseas to continue their tune-up matches. They’ll be in Malaga as they are set up for a weekend clash against both Slovenia and Spain. They will then go to the United Arab Emirates next week for Greece (Aug. 18) and Germany (Aug. 20).
