Team USA secured its spot in the next round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 by overwhelming Greece with a 28-point margin, 109-81, on Monday at the packed SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 2nd-ranked national team in the world will wrap up its first-round assignments on Wednesday against Jordan, a team that has been eliminated following Hellas’ defeat.
“Really good effort from our guys. Our thought process every game is to wear the opponent down. We’re 12 deep,” said USA head coach Steve Kerr.
Although Greece managed to keep pace with the USA in the first quarter, the NBA talent-laden team opened up a substantial lead with strong performances in the middle quarters.
Team USA’s bench players rekindled the momentum, with Tyrese Haliburton, Paolo Banchero, and Austin Reaves guiding their squad to a 50-37 halftime lead, courtesy of a 27-18 second period.
They followed up with an equally impressive third quarter, with the starters taking charge this time. Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson propelled the USA to a 29-19 quarter, establishing a commanding 79-56 lead heading into the fourth.
Austin Reaves continued to delight the fans with an all-around performance of 15 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
Jalen Brunson went 5-of-5 from the field for 13 points, while Anthony Edwards also contributed 13 points.
Josh Hart came off the bench and provided energy, tallying six points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
All 12 players on the USA roster scored at least four points.
Georgios Papagiannis led Hellas with 17 points, 15 of which were scored in the first half. Nikos Rogkavopoulos was the only other Greek player in double figures with 14 points.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo was limited to just two points on a 1-of-5 clip from the field. He also missed all four of his free throw attempts.
Both Greece and New Zealand, each with a 1-1 record, will compete for the final spot in the second round on Wednesday.
The Scores:
USA 109 – Reaves 15, Brunson 13, Edwards 13, Portis 10, Bridges 9, Haliburton 9, Jackson 9, Banchero 8, Johnson 8, Hart 6, Ingram 5, Kessler 4.
Greece 81 – Papagiannis 17, Rogkavopoulos 14, Papapetrou 9, Walkup 9, Papanikolaou 8, Bochoridis 8, Larentzakis 7, Lountzis 4, Moraitis 3, Antetokounmpo 2, Chatzidakis 0, Mitoglou 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 50-37, 79-56, 109-81.
