Jalen Brunson put together an absolutely standout performance for the United States as he put together a perfect night of shooting from the field in the team’s biggest test so far this summer.
The New York Knicks Star point guard was 9 for 9 from the field on the way to a team-best 21 points, Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 and the U.S. pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Spain 98-88 in a pre-World Cup exhibition between tournament favorites.
Spain is the No. 1-ranked team in the world according to FIBA; the U.S. is No. 2.
The Americans shot 67% – 71% on 2-pointers, 56% on 3-pointers, while holding Spain to 42% shooting.
USA improved to 3-0 in its pre-World Cup tour with two games left before arriving in Manila for the tournament.
Jalen Brunson had a perfect shooting performance for team USA in a victory over Spain
Tyrese Haliburton and Mikal Bridges also had strong performances in the game as well
America has averaged 101.3 points in those three games against Puerto Rico (117-74), Slovenia (92-62) and Spain, with an average winning margin of 27.7 points.
The U.S. led just 73-72 going into the final 10-minute quarter, before seven straight points down the stretch pushed the lead out to 97-84.
Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton had 12 assists in just under 22 minutes off the bench for the U.S., his second double-figure assist game so far this summer.
Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges scored 12 points and three players – Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers guard Austin Reaves and Minnesota Timberwolves cornerstone Anthony Edwards – each added 11.
Santi Aldama topped Spain with 14 points. Willy Hernangomez scored 13 points, Alex Abrines had 12 and Juancho Hernangomez 11.
The U.S. departs Monday for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for its final two pre-World Cup games this coming weekend against Greece and Germany.
The FIBA World Cup starts in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan on Aug. 25; the Americans start their World Cup slate on Aug. 26.
