In a spotlight matchup versus recent NBA MVP Joel Embiid, veteran Houston Rockets center Jock Landale had a massive game in Monday’s USA Basketball exhibition versus Australia.
While playing for Australia, Landale finished with a game-high 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in his 27 minutes, shooting 9-of-12 from the field (75.0%). Though the United States entered the game in Abu Dhabi as a sizable favorite, Landale’s big game played a role in Australia’s closer-than-expected loss, 98-92 (box score).
Embiid tallied a pedestrian 10 points and 5 rebounds in 16 minutes, shooting 3-of-6 overall (50.0%) and 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%).
Both the Americans and Australians are preparing for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, which begin in late July. Australia is part of Group A in the men’s basketball contest, while the Americans are in Group C. Landale is one of two Houston players currently slated to participating in the Olympics, joining Canada’s Dillon Brooks.
Like Australia, the Canadians are also playing in Group A.
Highlights of Landale’s showdown versus Embiid and the Americans are available below. As of now, Landale projects to be Houston’s third-string center next season behind incumbent starter Alperen Sengun and recent acquisition Steven Adams, though the 28-year-old appears poised to at least make a push for more playing time.
20 points 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Jock Landale vs Team USA today. Rockets center depth went from one of the worst to one of the best in less than a year. pic.twitter.com/nh6vXP75MQ
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) July 15, 2024
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