In the final Group C match of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, Anthony Edwards made a scorching start against Jordan on Wednesday.
The 2020 NBA first overall pick led the charge during the USA’s opening quarter onslaught, racking up 13 points. He added five more in the second period, culminating in an impressive 18-point effort during the first half.
Amidst this first-half outburst, discussions on social media regarding Edwards potentially breaking Kevin Durant’s Team USA record of 38 points had already begun to circulate.
However, Edwards’s pace slowed down in the second half, ultimately concluding the game with 22 points, accompanied by eight rebounds and four assists as Team USA cruised past the Falcons with a commanding 110-62 victory.
When questioned about Kevin Durant’s record and whether he aimed to surpass it during this tournament, Edwards responded, “On beating KD record? I mean he’s probably one of the greatest players so that’s gonna be tough.
“But I’m definitely going to try. For sure, I’m going to try,” he added.
Kevin Durant set the enduring USA record for the most points scored during the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. In the semifinal bout against Lithuania, Durant unleashed an astonishing 38 points, surpassing the previous record of 35 points held by Carmelo Anthony.
Although it took Edwards three games to truly shine, he emphasized that his routine and mindset have remained consistent since Day 1.
“Nothing. It’s nothing to change for me. I was as aggressive as I was the last game. Just me staying aggressive, staying confident is just something I do and I work on my game every day,” said the 6-foot-4 high flying guard.
“It paid off today.”
