USA dominates Puerto Rico in World Cup tune-up game
Anthony Edwards and Cam Johnson each scored 15 as USA posted a 117-74 win on Monday night in Las Vegas.
Basketball
Team USA wrapped up their five-day training camp ahead of the FIBA World Cup with a 117-74 victory over Puerto Rico on Monday (7 August) in Las Vegas.
After a slow start in their first World Cup build-up game, the U.S. gained momentum, including a 20-0 run in the second half.
Anthony Edwards and Cam Johnson each scored 15 points, with seven American players hitting double figures.
Tremont Waters scored 17 for Puerto Rico.
USA coach Steve Kerr was delighted with his first win as head coach of the senior national team.
“It's a great night for us. The guys have really picked up what we're trying to install at both ends and we're slowly but surely getting used to the FIBA rules and interpretations -- coaches included. "It's all part of the process of getting accustomed to what we're gonna be facing,” he said.
Olympic champions Kevin Durant and Draymond Green were among the stars who turned up to cheer the team in Vegas.
It was Team USA's first of five exhibition games before the World Cup that will be held in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
The U.S. will next play Slovenia in Malaga on Saturday 12 August, and Spain the following day.
On 18 August they will play against Greece before wrapping up their tune-up games against Germany on 20 August.
The U.S. will begin their campaign for their sixth World Cup gold against New Zealand on 26 August in Manila, as they look to bounce back from the disappointing seventh-place finish at the 2019 tournament.
The most sucessful men's basketball team at the Olympics will then play Greece on 28 August and Jordan two days later.
Puerto Rico will also be in Manila for its group matches.
Puerto Rico is scheduled to play South Sudan (26 August), Serbia (28 August) and the People's Republic of China (30 August).