USA - Carmelo hurt as USA edge Brazil in thrilling friendly

GUANGZHOU (FIBA World Championship) - LeBron James, Elton Brand and Joe Johnson came up with huge plays in the final minute as the United States edged Brazil, 90-86, in a warmup for the FIBA World Championship in Japan later this month.

The exhibition victory did not come without a price, however, as Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony hyperextended his right knee chasing a loose ball in the second quarter. Anthony, whose 16 points led the US, did not return.

"I think he's fine," Team USA assistant coach Mike D'Antoni of the Phoenix Suns said. "A couple days' rest and he should be okay."

On Monday, Team USA rolled past China, 119-73, and it appeared they were on their way to an impressive victory after opening a 52-38 lead at the break. But Brazil scored the first 16 points of the second half and hung tough thereafter.

The US held just an 87-86 lead before superstar James drove the left baseline and banked in a shot with 34 seconds left, and forward Brand blocked a shot on the other end.

Chris Paul grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 20 seconds to go but missed both free throws, giving Brazil a chance to tie.

But Johnson stole the ball from Marcelinho Machado and was fouled with 3.4 seconds left, then split two free throws to ice the contest.

"This will help us in the long run," D'Antoni said of the close contest.

Kirk Hinrich of the Chicago Bulls scored 14 points, Johnson added 12 and James 11 for the US, who were outrebounded, 41-25.

Leandro Barbosa scored 14 points and James' Cleveland Cavaliers team-mate Anderson Varejao collected 11 and 16 rebounds for Brazil.

Team USA travel to Seoul to take on Lithuania on Sunday and host Korea on August 15.

After those games, coach Mike Krzyzewski is expected to make two cuts to reduce the roster to 12 for the FIBA World Championship, which begins August 19.

By PA Sport