Jalen Brunson spearheads USA to 98-88 victory over Spain in FIBA World Cup tune-up game
Brunson poured in 22 points as the USA Basketball defeated the world No 1 side to go 3-0 in exhibition play ahead of the Basketball World Cup in Malaga.
Basketball
Jalen Brunson had a game-high 22 points and five assists as the United States men's basketball team defeated Spain on Sunday (13 August) in Malaga.
Jaren Jackson Jr added 14 points and five rebounds, Mikal Bridges scored 12 points and Austin Reaves and Bradon Ingram each supplied 11 points for the Americans who recorded their third win in as many friendlies against the world number one side.
After defeating Slovenia last, coach Steve Kerr called tonight's clash the "one true road game" his team would play ahead of the World Cup.
And the Americans more than endured their share of a hostile atmosphere in what is considered to be their first real test.
Brunson led the way in the first half with 16 points to push the USA to a 55-45 lead going into the break.
But the Spaniards, buoyed by a raucous home crowd in the Martin Carpena Stadium, responded straight away, producing an unanswered nine-point run to bring the contest back to heel.
A three-point shot by skipper Rudy Fernandez then handed Spain the lead before the USA wrested back control to take a one-point advantage, 73-72, going into the final quarter.
Anthony Edwards, relatively quiet until the final frame, proved to be a welcome spark of difference as the Americans put on the afterburners to outscore Spain 25-16 and take a decisive win.
Brunson, as he had done in the first half, stayed perfect for the game finishing nine from nine in field goals.
"It was a great basketball game, a wonderful challenge and a great atmosphere for us," Coach Kerr said afterwards.
"We closed the first half and had a 10-point lead and let our guard down and I think it’s a great lesson for us. You can’t afford to let your guard down in FIBA. You can do it in the NBA and you have lots of time - you don’t want to do it but you can get away with it. FIBA you’re playing with fire if you let your guard down.”
He continued: "I'm very proud of our guys for playing against a great team. When Spain made the run and took the lead in the third quarter I loved the way our players responded and closed the third quarter and started the fourth. It was a difficult win but a lot of good lessons to learn and a great effort from our players.
The USA will now head to Abu Dhabi where it will play its last two tune-up games against Greece and Germany before then heading to Manila for the World Cup.