It was a wake up call for the USA Men's Basketball team Monday night in Washington D.C. They played a scrappy Brazilian team that put up a fight and pushed it to the last minutes. In the end, however, Team USA pulled out the win 80-69.
LeBron James lead the team with 30 points and proved why he was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2012.
The US came from behind to pull out this victory as the Brazilians took a 27-17 lead in the first quarter.
They turned it around in the second quarter by playing tough defense. They would not allow Brazil to settle on offense and forced 12 turnovers. They also outscored the Brazilians 22-5 in the second quarter and took a 39-32 point lead at the half.
Despite the victory, this was considered a test for the US Basketball team.
Brazil is tall and tough. The US is tough but they have a fairly short lineup.
It is good preparation for the Americans as they will face taller opponents with teams like Spain.
Spain has both Gasol brothers, Pau and Marc. Plus, they have Serge Ibaka in their lineup.
The next opponent Team USA will face in the exhibition games will be against Great Britatin on Thursday.
