US Beats Aussies In Front Of An Unhappy Crowd Of 53,359

The US played Australia in a pre-World Cup friendlyThursday with the US winning 102-86.

It was a one-point game at the half before the US had a big third quarter to pull away. Kemba Walker had 23 points and Myles Turner had 14 boards.

In this one, the US was clearly better but they play again on Friday so we’ll see how that goes.

What was really interesting was the reaction to the game and the Australians take on how the gym was prepared for the match.

Marvel seats 53,359 but in an effort to get people close to the action, the arena officials used plastic lawn chairs and zip ties. Russell Crow paid $1,500 for his seats and was not very happy with his investment, tweeting out “the joke’s on me.”

Worse, there was no way to bank the seats so the people in the back mostly saw the backs of the people in the front.

This has not gone unnoticed.

For the US, it was generally positive. The win follows a nine point victory over Spain in the states, one of the better teams around, and there is more growth possibly Friday.

Importantly, the team is showing characteristics of being coached by Gregg Popovich: it’s balanced, fundamentally sound, plays good defense and guys are accepting their roles.

For all the criticisms of the players who aren’t there, the attitudes of the players who are on the team seem to be exemplary. They’re representing us very well.