Former Suns Duo Helps Team USA Upset Spain
Team USA basketball has rarely ever been an underdog, though that was the case when FIBA's No. 1 ranked Spanish squad was the opponent on Sunday.
The two basketball powers collided in a friendly as the FIBA World Cup approaches in just under two weeks, and the Americans were able to pull away in 98-88 fashion in what will undoubtedly be their toughest test ahead of the international tournament.
Former Phoenix Suns Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson combined for 21 points in the matchup, which was played in Spain.
It was a rowdy pro-Spanish crowd that saw their team briefly take the lead in the final period of play.
“Atmosphere is contagious. And that’s funny. I was talking to my teammates about playing in the national championship, playing in the finals is just a different type of atmosphere. And this is like one thing that you dream of, and we aren’t even in the stadium in the Philippines (for the World Cup)," Bridges said following the win via The Athletic.
“But even coming here and being in Spain, this ridiculous man. I’m happy I’m a part of this, happy I’m going through this.”
Bridges poured in 12 points, three rebounds and three assists while Johnson scored nine points with one assist.
Jalen Brunson paced the USA with 23 points.
Team USA will have two more exhibition matches after defeating Puerto Rico, Slovenia and Spain:
Aug. 18 vs Greece
Aug. 20 vs Germany
