In a fast paced, high momentum game that laid the groundwork for the upcoming 2023 FIBA Men’s World Championship, Team USA overcame Germany’s early lead that gave them a 16-point lead in the third quarter before they succeeded to regain the lead .
While Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) and Austin Reaves (LA Lakers) helped Team USA retake the lead, it was Anthony Edwards who ultimately secured the 99-91 win. In front of a loud crowd on the final night of the USA Basketball Showcase, Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) harnessed the energy of the fans and scored two crucial three-pointers, allowing the USA team to finish the game strong.
For Germany, Denis Schröder (Toronto Raptors) led the team with 16 points while fellow NBA player Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic) had 17 points. The energy and enthusiasm in the arena was palpable as fans from all over the world cheered on their respective teams. set the stage for an intense showdown on the pitch.
The final exhibition marked the end of an exciting week of basketball action in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The International Basketball Week and USA Basketball Showcase paid homage to sportsmanship, camaraderie and unparalleled athleticism while once again demonstrating the sustained efforts of Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the ability and determination of the UAE’s capital to Hosting major sporting events to highlight events.
Anthony Edwards, who topped all scorers with 34 points, looked back on the USA team’s preparation so far and said: “It was the best game I’ve had so far.” We were 15 points behind in the third quarter, that brought us closer as a team. This was fun, and it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a game this much. We had to face adversity and it was a struggle for us. Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reeves were big in the second half and the energy they gave off the bench was what we needed to win the game.”
Regarding the win against Germany, Austin Reaves said: “This is one of the most important games for us in preparation for the World Cup.” We faced a talented team in Germany that had many NBA players in the squad. This win felt good.”
While in Abu Dhabi, Reaves added: Being in a different country I was surprised when a fan called my name, it was special to me and I would never take that for granted. One day I will look back on this moment with a smile.”
As the global basketball community eagerly awaits the start of the biannual FIBA World Championships, which concludes August 25, USA’s triumph at the USA Basketball Showcase cements their status as favorites in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Last year, the partnership between the NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi made its debut. This year, the Dallas Mavericks will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of NBA Abu Dhabi on October 5th and 7th at the Etihad Arena Games presented by ADQ. Both International Basketball Week and the NBA Abu Dhabi Games support the emirate’s ambitious strategy in sports and entertainment and are consistent with the capital’s global reputation as a pioneer in events innovation.
