Team USA guard Austin Reaves has an unwavering belief that his team has the ability to compete against any opponent in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The USA team secured victories in their two group-stage matches with an average winning margin of 27.5 points. Those included a one-sided 109-81 win against World No. 9 Greece at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“With the talent that we have, one through twelve, regardless of who it is, we like our chances against anybody,” said Reaves with confidence.
While Team USA might lack “superstar” names, they are certainly not deficient in depth.
Against Greece, the Americans fielded all 12 players, with all but one logging at least 10 minutes on the floor.
And all 12 of those players scored at least four points.
Reaves himself got a team-high 15 points to go with six assists and five rebounds in just 17 minutes of action.
Both Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards finished with 13 points apiece while Bobby Portis Jr. got 10 markers.
Tyrese Haliburton, Mikal Bridges, and Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in nine points each. Meanwhile, Josh Hart grabbed 11 rebounds to go with his six points.
And the Los Angeles Lakers guard credits their deep rotation for their dominant performance so far.
“The starting unit wears down the opponents quickly due to our style of play. We emphasize fast-paced, physical defense,” Reaves elaborated.
“By the time we come into the game, we have fresh legs. This allows us to push the tempo and play in transition.”
The tournament statistics reinforce this point, as the five-time World Cup champions amassed 60 of their 109 points from the bench and scored 32 points in transition, in contrast to Greece’s 6 points.
In their match against New Zealand, they recorded 22 fast break points and garnered 54 points from the bench players.
Reaves and the entire Team USA roster are determined to maintain their formidable form as they face Jordan on August 31.
