Devin Booker came off the bench for Team USA in their second pre-Olympic exhibition and the first one in Abu Dhabi against Australia. While the USA walked out as winners with a 98-92 score, the result was too close to comfort for everyone involved, with Booker stressing the need for the USA to stay engaged and aggressive while speaking to Fadeaway World after the game.
"I think we have to stay on the gas, take care of the silly mistakes, the turnovers, and be the more physical team. We have to rebound and keep teams off the offensive glass."
Booker put up 14 points on 4-7 shooting, going 3-3 on two-point opportunities and 7-7 from the free throw line. He and Anthony Edwards are scrapping to see which one of them will be the starter for Team USA when the Olympics start. Edwards put up a team-high 13 points against Canada and 14 points against Australia in Abu Dhabi.
Along with his 16 points against Australia, Booker put up 16 points in their win over Canada in Las Vegas. Booker is proven, but Edwards is quickly establishing himself as the new face of the NBA.
With Booker's long-running experience from his college days and the 2020 Olympics as a sixth man, it seems like he might be a better fit for that role. Kerr remarked on how Edwards' added physicality is a huge tool in USA's favor with FIBA rules , something Booker can't replicate.
“That’s just who he is. He’s a big-time scorer. He gets downhill, gets to the rim, and plays through contact. FIBA is very physical and he’s a very physical player. I think for sure he will be one of our leading scorers during this tournament.”
Edwards has also made it clear that he will do whatever the team needs him to do, whether it's the No. 1 option or a lockdown defender. He showed the ability to do both in this game, starting the game without missing a shot in the first quarter while setting the tone for the Wolves' sensational defense.
Booker as an offensive player is far more refined and consistent, but if Edwards is hot, there's almost no stopping him. This is especially true of Edwards' charging at the rim with a head of steam, as he can easily posterize any opponent.
Whether either of them starts after Kevin Durant returns to the lineup remains to be seen, but both players could have a profound impact on Team USA at this point.
Related: Steve Kerr On Potentially Benching Joel Embiid: "Going To Continue Experimenting With The Lineup"
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