The Spanish team suffered its first defeat in preparation for the World Cup at the hands of the United States (90-81). The rosary of casualties - the last one, PJ Tucker, just a few hours before the game - has left the USA with the lowest profile team since 2002, but in their first serious test they remembered that they were also the favorites. Spain stood up and pressed the game with a good second half, but did not have enough to complete the comeback.

There are two ways to see it: as the defeat (friendly) that is or as a defeat with positive notes. To begin with, after an impetuous start of the United States, Spain took the overall of the last three quarters (59-61). The team led by Gregg Popovich recalled very soon that, despite the endless list of casualties, he has talent to unseat anyone, but Spain endured and from a good defense, especially at the beginning of the third quarter, remained in the clash.

To continue, that Ricky Rubio confirms in every game that he has taken the gallons with desire. El Masnou's is aggressive and very confident to assume a scoring weight that the rest of the year is alien to him. Between 'pique' and 'pique' with his former teammate Donovan Mitchell, the Catalan finished with 16 points, seven assists and five steals.

Marc Gasol and Llull improve

And to continue, that the other central pieces of the puzzle are taking color. Marc Gasol, who started later than the rest, is already putting himself at the level of the group and he set his best game of the preparation: 19 points and a very good second part that pressed the game in the final minutes. Sergio Llull, who had not been able to play the last two games, added 11 and six assists. And Rudy Fernandez could give 20 good minutes.

He owes, that Spain suffered a little more from the account when Marc and Ricky sat down. Despite being one of the best in the first three duels, against the United States it was noted that lack of solidity that Scariolo claims to Willy Hernangómez for the minutes that Sant Boi rests. A plot to work, although it does not tarnish with the good feelings with which the selection leaves Anaheim.

Because despite the endless list of casualties, the United States remains a gold favorite. Yes, it is a selection of remnants: of the 35 players that Popovich named in the preselection a year ago, there are only four left: Kemba Walker, Khris Middleton, Harrison Barnes and Myles Turner. But those who are have shown commitment.

And that is already something that was not seen in the dark years.

Walker (11 points, six rebounds, eight assists) and Middleton (12 points, excellent in the first quarter) took the lead with two young people with much to say, Mitchell (13) and Jayson Tatum (11). And in the first exam of their preparation they demonstrated to take it seriously, that so basic that it could not always be taken for granted. With intensity, aggressive looking for the hoop, moving the ball, selecting the shots well (and putting them: 11/19 in triples). They are not as superior as other years, but they are favorites until someone says otherwise.

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  • Spain
  • U.S
  • Marc Gasol
  • Willy Hernangómez
  • Sergio Llull
  • Sergio Scariolo
  • Rudy Fernandez
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  • Kemba Walker
  • Gregg Popovich
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