Team USA rebounded from its stunning loss to the Australians to defeat Team Canada 84-68 in a final tune-up before the 2019 FIBA World Cup begins later this week in China.
USA Basketball jumped all over Canada in the first quarter, running out to a 20-9 lead after the opening frame. The Canadians made a small run to get within five points in the second quarter, but then Team USA took full control and led 46-31 at halftime before cruising in the second half.
Jaylen Brown came off the bench to pour in 19 points in 19 minutes on 8-of-11 shooting from the field. He also recorded a plus-16 plus/minus, which was tied for the team high with starter Harrison Barnes:
"The sky is the limit for this group." 🇺🇸
Jaylen Brown (19 PTS) shares what the #USABMNT have to do to win in the @FIBAWC. pic.twitter.com/JypMBgBxr9
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 26, 2019
Brown's new Boston Celtics teammate, Kemba Walker, chipped in 12 points and notched a plus-15. Myles Turner recorded a double-double with 10 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. Donovan Mitchell was the only other American to reach double figures in scoring, putting in 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting.
Team USA won handily despite shooting a lackluster 2-of-14 from 3-point range. They clamped down on defense, holding Canada to 32% shooting. Kyle Wiltjer led the Canadians off the bench with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Khem Birch added 13 points and six rebounds, but the rest of the team really struggled.
Team USA finishes its pre-World Cup exhibition slate with a 3-1 record. The World Cup begins on Saturday, with the Americans tipping off Sunday morning against the Czech Republic.
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