Following Team USA's win over Spain in Malaga, Steve Kerr and several players noted how the American squad managed to pass the toughest test with flying colors and praised the hosts for the atmosphere and their competitiveness.
After a comfortable night against Slovenia (92-62), Team USA was put under a real test against hosts Spain on the last day of the tournament held in Malaga to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Spanish Basketball Federation.
The US led by 10 at half-time, but Spain came back in the third quarter, took the lead and everything was decided in the last 10 minutes, when the guests kept scoring from every possible position and Sergio Scariolo's men were unable to keep up.
Team USA prevailed by 98-88, a result mostly dictated by the fact that Spain went out of steam in the final 3-4 minutes.
Santi Aldama and Willy Hernangomez had 14 and 13 points, respectively. On the other end, the US were having a great shooting night, going 10 for 18 from downtown and 40 for 60 from the field (66.6%). Steve Kerr's men started the game on 7 for 8 from behind the 3-point line.
Jalen Brunson went 9/9 from the field en route to 21 points, including 16 in the first half plus 5 assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. Mikal Bridges had 12 points and Anthony Edwards and Brandon Ingram had 11 each for Team USA.
"It's an unreal environment," said Brunson. "The Spanish fans and that team out there were amazing. But as a team for us, we find a way to stay locked in together and still find a way to win."
US coach Steve Kerr also praised the atmosphere. "It's a great basketball game," he said.
"Wonderful atmosphere. A great challenge for us in our one true road game on this tour. Very proud of our guys playing against a great team. Spain made the run and took the lead in the third quarter. I love the way our players responded and closed the third quarter and started the fourth."
"A lot of trust in our coaches," Bridges said of playing back-to-back games. "They prepared us really well, they got the scouting report. Puerto Rico is different from Spain and we have the utmost confidence and trust in our coaches that they are going to prepare us every night. All we can do is go out there and play as hard as we can."
The USA improved to 3-0 on its five-game exhibition tour before the World Cup in Manila, Philippines. Next up are two games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, facing Greece on Friday and Germany on Sunday. The Americans open World Cup play August 26 vs. New Zealand, then face Greece, who will only have one of the Antetokounbros (Thanasis) available since both Giannis and Kostas will miss the tournament.
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