Joel Embiid didn’t impress many in his debut for Team USA in an exhibition matchup against Canada in Las Vegas. While Team USA won 86-72, Embiid was a non-factor in their success. He ended up fouling out after just 12 minutes on the court.
Joel Embiid has fouled out in the 3rd quarter 😬 pic.twitter.com/bzmq77BUyh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 11, 2024
Embiid was visibly struggling to adjust to Canada’s pace, especially with Mavericks’ backup center Dwight Powell making it hard for him. He wasn’t getting the calls he’d get in the NBA and committed many fouls out of frustration.
Embiid’s antics don’t work in FIBA 😠pic.twitter.com/waEyE3c40h
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) July 11, 2024
Embiid put up five points, six rebounds, and four turnovers in his 12 minutes of action, shooting 2-5 from the field. He did not look comfortable out on the court, being comprehensively outplayed by backup Anthony Davis.
Davis had 10 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and four blocks in 19 minutes, giving Team USA the center play they needed to put this win away.
Team USA used an interesting starting lineup with a three-guard lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker next to Embiid and LeBron James. This lineup didn’t have much success, with many claiming Davis should start next to Embiid with James playing as the primary wing.
With how well Davis played, Team USA might even consider starting him over Embiid, as it seems they’ll be committed to a lineup featuring either Holiday or Anthony Edwards to have a POA defender on the court at all times.
Team USA Overcame A Slow Start To Dominate
Team USA’s starting lineup didn’t impress in the first quarter, with Curry, Booker, Holiday, LeBron, and Embiid getting off to a slow start that saw them fall down 12-1 to Canada.
LeBron James had a great overall showing, putting up seven points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. He and Stephen Curry combined for some internet-breaking highlights, including Curry tossing a lob to James. Steph finished the night with 11 points and three assists, hitting big threes when the USA needed them the most.
Two of this generation's best linking on this oop 🙌
LeBron x Steph
📺 @usabasketball Showcase on FS1 pic.twitter.com/bf27CbtXRV
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2024
With this being an exhibition, young players off the bench like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton put up impressive performances themselves. Edwards put up an efficient 13 points while Haliburton put up just two points along with four rebounds, six assists, and four steals in the win.
Kawhi Leonard left Team USA prior to the friendly against Canada and was replaced by Derrick White, who didn’t participate in this contest. Kevin Durant was scheduled to play but is currently sidelined with a calf injury which could make his availability for future exhibitions and even the Olympics questionable.
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