Tyrese Haliburton continues to dazzle for Team USA in victory over Spain
In Team USA's most difficult battle yet during the USA Basketball Showcase, they took on Spain in Malaga on Sunday. Spain is full of NBA talent including Juancho and Willy Hernangomez, Santi Aldama, and Usman Garuba.
For Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, that meant he would have to be prepared for a big game. The host nation for this outing wasn't going to make it easy, and it wasn't early.
The Spainiards kept the game close throughout the first quarter, jumping ahead 18-17 after a few minutes of play. When Haliburton came in, the red, white, and blue were trailing.
That was with 3:40 to go in the first quarter. And while Haliburton only had two points at the conclusion of the first frame, his first stint was still a success. Team USA pulled ahead with the Pacers guard on the floor and were in the lead when he checked out.
A big reason for Team USA's surge was Haliburton's passing. He had four assists in just a few minutes to open the second frame, and his team's offense was humming. The 23-year old was an important piece for the squad.
His fellow backcourt mate, Jalen Brunson, had a big game as well. Brunson had 16 points at halftime, and Haliburton entered the break with two points, seven assists, and two rebounds. All seven of his first-half assists came in the second quarter.
Haliburton was defending well, too. He had a couple of steals early and was glued to his man. It was an impressive two-way performance from Indiana's All-Star, who has been praised by his teammates for his performance during international play so far.
Because of that strong half, Haliburton entered the game earlier than he usually does in the third quarter. He helped Team USA keep pace with Spain, who was dominating the game on the glass to keep it close.
Haliburton had one assist as his lone stat in the third quarter, but his group was up 73-72 entering the final quarter. They still had work to do to put the game away.
Thanks to some great scoring plays from Anthony Edwards and some solid all-around play from Haliburton, the red, white, and blue were able to pull away late. They took down Spain 98-88 for their third-straight victory.
Haliburton had four assists in the fourth frame, bringing his full game total to twelve. It was the second time that the Pacers All-Star has reached double-digit assists for the squad.
He also added four points, four rebounds, and three steals. It was a great night for Haliburton, who continues to look good in Team USA's system.
The United States are now 3-0 in exhibition play. They next hit the court on Friday when they take on Greece in Abu Dhabi. Haliburton will look to keep the momentum going as so far he has been one of the team's best creators, and he stepped up in the scoring department on Saturday. His play has been important to the team's success.
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