Anthony Edwards drops 34 to lead Team USA past Germany - ESPN

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — In a game that was terrific theater for a friendly and served as a terrific appetizer for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, Team USA completed a 5-0 exhibition record with a high-intensity 99-91 win over medal contender Germany on Sunday.

The U.S. trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half as Germany, which came in 4-1 in pre-World Cup play including a win over Canada, employed an effective game plan. But the Americans turned it into a chance to buckle down and show off their defensive mettle, holding Germany scoreless for six minutes in the fourth quarter while going on an 18-0 run.

Anthony Edwards, who has used these past three weeks to show off his potential as a leading man, was brilliant offensively and defensively. He fired in 34 points on 11-of-20 shooting and was part of the swarming defensive effort late that won the game.

Tyrese Haliburton served notice on his importance on the roster, as he scored 17 of his 18 points in the second half and finished the game ahead of starter Jalen Brunson because of his defensive and playmaking prowess. Also finishing the game as a bench player was Austin Reaves, who has won over compliments from teammates and coaches, as he scored 16 points.

After showing minor flaws over their first four exhibition games, the Americans got some potentially useful lessons about their weak spots from a German game plan that future opponents will likely attempt to mimic. Not every opposing country has a point guard like Dennis Schroder, a role player in the NBA who can morph into a force in international play.

He went after the Americans with his speed, accelerating repeatedly at the point of attack and using pick-and-rolls to get past his defender and