Basketball shone, and the Martin Carpena arena shone with energy, as the United States emerged with a 88-98 victory. The North American squad stayed a step ahead, while Spain pressed relentlessly, keeping the pace high throughout the match. Yet this was only a friendly, and the road to the World Cup remains filled with expected steps. Granada awaits as the final test on the schedule.
Is this version of Team USA unbeatable? Not by a long shot. Spain challenged them for 35 minutes, testing a group that did not feature the NBA’s biggest frontline stars. If a future crossover reaches Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, such a challenge could be feasible. For now, Sunday’s results underscored the reality: this was a genuine gauge of where the team needs to head next.
One of the notable moments came when coach Scariolo was already evaluating the squad. Juan Núñez posted 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, signaling his World Cup trajectory with a solid performance. The Sunday showcase introduced the playmaker trusted to lead Spain in international competition in the absence of Ricky Rubio and Lorenzo Brown. The young guard from Ulm, alongside Ratiopharm, showcased a developed command of the game that Scariolo wants to imprint on the national program.
Of course, the standout news remained Malaga. Alberto Díaz faced Luka Dončić and the packed Palace audience during these three days of the Centennial Tournament, delivering a performance that energized Costa del Sol and rekindled memories of a pivotal US return after 37 years. The FEB’s production turned every game into a show that kept North American fans engaged and left a lasting impression on the crowd.
Last US sprint to win
The two best teams in the world collided from the opening whistle. No fear, no hesitation. A high-level display unfolded, guided by Juan Núñez and Jalen Brunson. The matchup felt almost friendly in spirit, yet both sides poured it on, producing a night of standout moments in the famous Martin Carpena arena. Santi Aldama continued to escalate his impact, delivering another chapter to a career that keeps surpassing expectations. The scoreline read 28-26, a number that carried momentum and intensity alike.
The second quarter saw the United States assert themselves more clearly, aided by several three-pointers from Cameron Johnson that helped regain the lead (32-37). In a supporting role, Darío Brizuela contributed with timely plays, displaying speed and instinct that helped temper the American attack as the first half approached its end (45-55).
Spain responded with renewed vigor, as Álex Abrines and Willy Hernangómez pulled the score to 54-55, and the arena came alive again. Although Jalen Brunson remained a constant headache for the defense, Spain continued pressing. At 65-64, the hosts reclaimed the advantage briefly, but Juan Núñez returned to help stabilize the game when Alberto Díaz stopped a scoring run with four straight points (72-73).
The match stayed competitive, with both teams showing resilience. The crowd witnessed a contest that FIBA assets would likely consider a preview of what’s to come in the World Cup era. The Spaniards demonstrated concentration and offensive intent up to the final moments, keeping pace with a lineup that featured a mix of established stars and rising talents. Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brunson, and Ingram shaped the closing sequence, guiding the United States to an 88-98 result. It proved to be an unforgettable day for Malaga and a valuable lesson for a squad still shaping its international identity.