Bradley Beal became the first Washington Wizards player to be selected for Team USA during the NBA era of international competition. Unfortunately his first international game as a pro produced an historic upset loss, as Nigeria stunned Team USA 90-87 in a pre-Olympics exhibition in Las Vegas Saturday.
Beal got the start alongside Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo. He had flashes like his defensive effort, when he got a block before diving to the floor to gain possession in an incredible sequence.
However, the rest of the night was a struggle for Beal and most of Team USA. The three-time All-Star shot 1-of-7 from the field, scoring two points in 25 minutes. He added four rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Beal only took one three-point shot, missing it. He also missed both his free throws. His 14.3% shooting from the field was the worst of any U.S. player who attempted more than one shot. Team USA head coach Greg Popovich opted for Zach LaVine over Beal in the closing minutes of the game.
Here is Beal’s lone made field goal:
Ironically, his plus-6 was the best plus-minus on the team. That’s because struggles of Team USA were not exclusive to Beal. Durant was 4-of-13 from the field, although he led the team with 17 points, but was a minus-10. Lillard was 4-of-10 shooting from the field. He and Adebayo finished a team-worst minus-11.
Meanwhile, Nigeria gave Team USA a steady diet of three-pointers. They made 20-of-42 trey attempts. The Nigerian team was led by six NBA players. Gabe Vincent of the Miami Heat led the way with 21 points and four assists.
Prior to the loss, Team USA had won 39 straight Olympic-competition games, including pre-Olympics exhibitions. In 2012, Team USA beat Nigeria by 83 points. How things change.
It’s worth noting, Team USA was down three players — Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks guards Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. All three are playing in the NBA Finals and will join the team when the Finals are over. Holiday is probably the most likely to help Team USA, who appears desperate for a point guard who can defend and initiate the offense.
Still, it was an exhibition game. It’s better to get the kinks out now before the Olympics begin. Team USA is still favored to win Gold at the Olympics. They have four more exhibition games before they head for Japan. But it’s clear Beal and the team need to play much better on both ends of the floor.
