US-Australia Basketball Game Canceled Because Of Protocols
Jul 16, 2021, 9:20 AM
Joe Ingles #7 of the Australia Boomers drives against Jerami Grant #9 of the United States during an exhibition game at Michelob Ultra Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 12, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Australia defeated the United States 91-83. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The United States’ men’s basketball exhibition game against Australia scheduled for Friday night in Las Vegas has been canceled because of health and safety protocols.
USA Basketball cited “an abundance of caution” in making the decision Thursday night. The U.S. women’s game against Australia will be played as scheduled Friday in Las Vegas.
Out of an abundance of caution, the USA Men's National Team exhibition versus Australia on Friday has been cancelled.
The USA Women's National Team's matchup with Australia will be played at 2:30 PM ET on NBCSN.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 16, 2021
The decision to cancel the game came hours after Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal was ruled out of the Olympics after being placed into health and safety protocols. The team also said Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant also was in health and safety protocols “out of an abundance of caution.”
Bradley Beal will miss the #Tokyo2020 Olympic Games for @usabasketball after entering COVID-19 protocol on Wednesday. #TeamUSA https://t.co/DrnQzzxKLp
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 15, 2021
The Americans are still scheduled to play Spain on Sunday before heading to Tokyo, with their opening game against France set for July 25.
The U.S. lost its opening two exhibition games to Nigeria and Australia and beat Argentina in the third Tuesday night.
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