ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- For all the popularity of the 3-pointer, competitiveness in international basketball often comes down to the trenches. And in recent competitions, Team USA has lost this battle too frequently.
Fixing that issue was paramount when assembling Team USA as it tries to win a fifth consecutive Olympic gold in Paris. Early in the process, progress and challenges still remain on this front.
Team USA beat Australia 98-92 in an exhibition Monday in Abu Dhabi in front of a record crowd of 12,217 fans at Etihad Arena. It's a second straight win over a medal contender for the U.S., but there were a few things to pay attention to that the Aussies, always a very good test in run-ups to big events, showed.
Perhaps most importantly, Anthony Davis displayed why he's such a vital player to the American effort. His presence on the inside was a difference, as he had 17 points and 14 rebounds in just 18 minutes while playing some strong interior defense.
But the Australians, who beat the U.S. in exhibitions in both 2019 and 2021 in moments that exposed weaknesses in those squads, attacked the Americans in the middle and found the softness that remains a significant concern.
Using aggressive drives, interior passes and misdirections, the Aussies racked up an astounding 68 points in the paint. That is a concerning number in a 48-minute NBA game; in a 40-minute FIBA-style game, it's a flashing red light.
They were within five points with five minutes left and twice cut it to four points in the final minute. Team USA held them off, thanks to two clutch 3-pointers from Tyrese Haliburton and four free throws from Devin Booker.
Team USA did look better overall on offense than in its win over Canada last week in Las Vegas. It made 12 3-pointers, and overall its ball movement and organization was improved. But the Americans still turned the ball over 18 times, way above an acceptable number.
Booker had 15 points and Anthony Edwards had 14 to lead the Team USA offense.
Australia was led by 20 points from Jock Landale, most of them on baskets in the paint.
