Knicks Abroad: Brunson Deals, Hart Debuts in Team USA Exhibition Win Over Slovenia

Many venture to Malaga for rest and relaxation. The United States' men's national basketball team, however, is in town for a business trip and tipped things off on the right note on Saturday.

With New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in tow, the Americans took down Slovenia 92-62 at Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena.

It was the team's second of five preparation exhibitions en route to the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup later and the first half of a Spanish weekend doubleheader. Slovenian star Luka Doncic, Brunson's former Dallas Mavericks teammate, did not play out of caution for an injury he sustained in a prior exhibition.

Each participating American sank at least one basket and Brunson was one of four in double-figures with 11. He fell just short of his second consecutive double-double, dealing out eight assists, several of which brought a bipartisan Spanish crowd to its feet: one of his first was a no-look toss into the corner for a triple-shooting Cam Johnson (Brooklyn) and another was a backboard-based helper to Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, who put in a dunk that more or less permanently placed momentum on the Americans' side.

POINT GUARD, Jalen Brunson. pic.twitter.com/kjL3cqS5xm
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) August 12, 2023

#Knicks Jalen Brunson goes off the backboard for highlight-reel moment with Anthony Edwards #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/FBHKGTk6zq
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) August 12, 2023

Edwards led the Americans with 15 points and his plus/minus of 24 was the only one ahead of Brunson's 21.

Hart also made his debut with the premier American group after sitting out of Tuesday's exhibition opener against Puerto Rico in anticipation of signing his long-term extension with the Knicks. Hart hauled in five rebounds and two points and assists each, his first helper being a mid-air dish to Austin Reaves (LA Lakers).

In some alternate Laker universe, Josh Hart to Reaves for three. pic.twitter.com/JyRV0YTxwu
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) August 12, 2023

Without Doncic in the lineup, Slovenia was led by 14 points from Gregor Glas. The Slovenians, who did not qualify for the last World Cup in 2019, are situated in Group F in the World Cup's debut stage and will face Cape Verde, Georgia, and Venezuela in Okinawa.

Team USA will immediately return to action on Sunday as the doubleheader in Malaga wraps up against the defending World Champions from Spain (3:30 p.m. ET, Fox).

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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