With ex-President Obama cheering them on, Team USA rallied from an 11-1 deficit to defeat Canada 86-72 in a packed Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena, proving their Olympic readiness in style.

Before a record-setting crowd of 20,757, Team USA put on a show, shrugging off an early deficit to trounce Canada 86-72 in a high-octane Olympic warm-up. Key contributions from Anthony Edwards, Steph Curry, and Anthony Davis, along with a star-studded lineup, left fans – and even former President Barack Obama – buzzing with excitement. This dominant performance raises hopes for the Americans as they gear up for further exhibition games and the ultimate Olympic quest.

The game began with Canada's RJ Barrett leading an aggressive charge, causing concern amongst the American supporters. Team USA found themselves trailing 11-1 midway through the first quarter, leaving even the most optimistic fans clutching their foam fingers a little tighter.

However, the Americans, known for their comeback prowess, responded robustly. A combination of tight defense and strategic plays allowed Team USA to claw back into the game. By halftime, they managed a significant turnaround to take a 41-33 lead, much to the relief of their supporters, who could finally exhale.

Anthony Edwards led the scoring for the U.S. with 13 points, displaying the kind of talent that has fans expecting big things in the upcoming games. Following closely behind was Steph Curry with 12 points, including a crucial spree where he scored nine consecutive points in the third quarter, turning on the heat like it was a shooting clinic and helping extend Team USA's lead to 50-37.

Anthony Davis showed his versatility as both scorer and rebounder, contributing 10 points and snagging 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday added to the mix with 11 points, creating a balanced offensive effort that Canada struggled to counter. Seems like the Canadians might need a Holiday to recover from Jrue's performance!

Despite the notable absence of Kevin Durant due to a calf strain and Derrick White, who had yet to join the team, Team USA's depth was undeniable. The second unit, featuring Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, and Tyrese Haliburton, kept the pressure on Canada, ensuring that the lead remained secure and the pace relentless. With such a powerhouse bench, it almost makes one wonder if Team USA is planning to clone their stars next.

On the Canadian side, RJ Barrett was their top performer with 12 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks chipped in with 10 points each. However, their efforts were nullified by the Americans' formidable defense, which limited Canada to a paltry 33.8% shooting from the field. Even with all their hustle, it seems the Canadian team couldn't find a way to crack the code of Team USA's defense.

The U.S. dominated on the boards, outrebounding Canada 53-48 and blocking nine of their shots. These defensive stats were pivotal in stifling the Canadian offense and providing opportunities for fast breaks and quick points. Looks like the U.S. team brought their own personal 'no-fly list' to the game!

The crowd atmosphere was electric, no doubt amplified by the presence of former President Barack Obama. Having him courtside added a layer of excitement and perhaps a tiny bit of extra pressure for the players—after all, who wouldn't want to impress a former Commander-in-Chief?

Team USA's shooting stats were solid, finishing with an overall shooting percentage of 50.7% despite a less-than-stellar performance from beyond the arc, where they made just 7 of 23 attempts. Still, their ability to score efficiently within the arc and capitalize on mid-range jumpers and layups kept them comfortably ahead — you'd think they had GPS for finding the hoop!

Looking ahead, Team USA's coach will have a lot of positive takeaways from this game. With upcoming exhibition matches against Australia, Serbia, South Sudan, and Germany, they'll be looking to fine-tune their strategy and improve on today’s weak points, particularly their three-point shooting. Let's hope they remember to pack their lucky socks!

As the players filed off the court, the significance of this win wasn’t lost on anyone in the arena. It was more than just an exhibition game; it was a statement. Team USA solidified its reputation as a force to be reckoned with, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic campaign. And let's face it, Team Canada probably wishes this had been just a friendly neighborhood pick-up game.