Team USA men's basketball cruises past Canada in first look before Paris Olympics

With former U.S. President Barack Obama sitting courtside, Team USA’s Olympic men’s basketball team showed why it's favored to win gold in Paris, following an exhibition win against Canada.

LAS VEGAS — Team USA’s Olympic men’s basketball roster is an embarrassment of riches. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and NBA All-Stars, this group will enter the 2024 Paris Games as the heavy favorite to bring home their fifth consecutive gold medal. 

With former U.S. President Barack Obama sitting courtside, they showed why in an 86-72 win against Canada in an exhibition Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena. 

Anthony Edwards led the U.S. with 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Steph Curry added 12 points and hit three 3-pointers. Anthony Davis made his presence felt in the post with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while LeBron James had 7 points on 3-for-7 from the field. 

RJ Barrett paced Canada with 12 points and five rebounds. 

“It was a good first game for us,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re really just getting started — four days of practice. You could see the rust on the offensive end with a lot of turnovers in that first half especially. But I loved that defensive intensity and the work on the glass. It was a good first effort and we needed to set a tone for how we play and I think we did that.” 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/olympics-team-usa-basketball-canada-rcna161297

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