As they get ready for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Team USA played their second friendly match, this time against the Australia Boomers squad. After a furious rally by the Australians, the USA prevailed 98-92. Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, who scored 16 points in 18 minutes on a 79.4% true shooting percentage, was a major contributor to the win.

Because the games are exhibitions, Kevin Durant opted to sit out his second consecutive game due to a calf issue.

Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday were noticeably missing from the starting lineup in this game, a calculated decision meant to maximize team chemistry and experiment with different lineup combinations. Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards took their places instead, demonstrating Coach Steve Kerr’s proactive strategy of using the exhibition games to fine-tune Team USA’s squad dynamics ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Anthony Edwards’ incredible exhibition of scoring ability and creative playmaking lit up Team USA from the start. He made an immediate impression on the game, scoring 11 of Team USA’s first 19 points on his own. A brilliant sequence in which he executed a perfect crossover dribble to create separation and then calmly sank a three-pointer served as an example of his effect.With a little more than a minute left in the first quarter, Booker made his first two free throws, finishing coolly after drawing a foul on a strong drive to the rim. But Booker’s effort at a transition three-pointer on the next play was unsuccessful.

Devin Booker demonstrated his scoring ability early in the second quarter by making a jump shot in spite of being fouled, finishing the basket, and earning a foul for a and-one chance. His game total of five points was increased by this play.Devin Booker demonstrated in the first half why the offensively superior Americans welcome active hands on the defensive side of the ball. Similar to Carmelo Anthony, who wore number 15 for Team USA before him, Booker’s influence is felt in the team spirit.

In the first half, Booker went 1-of-2 from the field, scoring 6 points, dishing out 1 assist, and stealing 1 steal. Team USA led 53–37 at the half, and he was a team-high +10 in the old +/– category.

After the break, Devin Booker began collaborating on the floor with Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, and Anthony Davis. Booker had an immediate impression on the game. He opened with a strong and difficult runner that found its target, and he followed it up with a sure three-pointer that gave Team USA even more momentum.But it wasn’t simply his scoring that was noteworthy. Booker played weakside defense and showed off his deft hands and foresight by intercepting a pass from Jock Landale.

Booker’s contributions were crucial in increasing Team USA’s lead to 64-41 in an amazing one-minute period. The second team unit’s +14 rating as a whole amply demonstrated their excellent on-court synergy.

Following Booker’s substitution, the Australians exploited a weakness in Team USA’s roster by winning 14-2. LeBron James and Steph Curry, the aging guard, weren’t performing well.

With 6:39 left, Booker came back, giving the Americans a tenuous 11-point advantage. But like the Phoenix Suns in 2023–24, they struggled with turnovers, which made it easy for the opposition to cut the deficit to just six points.

With less than three minutes remaining, Tyrese Haliburton made a critical three-pointer off a Devin Booker pass, regaining the lead at twelve points. With 31 seconds remaining, Devin scored a midrange jumper and a huge offensive rebound to give Team USA a 94-85 lead.