Mark Angelo Mañez

Manila - The United States continued its stellar display on both sides as they swamped Greece's fluid motion game en route to a 109-81 blowout at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup inside the Mall of Asia Arena, Monday night.

Photo Courtesy of FIBA Basketball

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reeves continued to woo the Filipino crowd, leading the balanced offense-defense approach as he towed coach Steve Kerr's Stars and Stripes with 15 markers. He also decked in 5 boards, 6 dimes and 2 swipes while appearing for 17 minutes on the floor.

Three others also clicked in the victory with both crowd favorites Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards chipping in 13 apiece while Bobby Portis chalked in 10 of his own. The trio also went active by collaring a combined 9 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals.

Kerr, meanwhile, emphasized on the importance of balanced rotation and intense pressure on both ends. It was shown when nine Americans chipped in at least eight points and not letting open attempts all game.

“Our thought process every game is to wear the opponent down. We’re twelve-deep on our roster and we’re just trying to stay solid on every possession and really put pressure on the opponent,” Team USA coach Steve Kerr said.

Josh Hart was the other hero for the winning squad, albeit missing on a double-double. He ended the game with six markers and 11 boards, while adding five dimes up to his stat sheet.

Greece started out strong after canning back-to-back floaters from naturalized player Thomas Workup. That proved to be its last time they held on as the Americans pumped up the gas en route to the blowout.

“We needed to do that tonight, because Greece played very well,” he added. “That first half, they stayed with us… eventually in the second half, we broke the dam and opened up the game.”

Greek beanpole Giorgios Papagiannis, meanwhile, carried his team with his 17 markers, three board, two dime, one swipe effort for a losing effort.

Both try to secure their second round tickets as they face groupmates Jordan and New Zealand in 48 hours' time.


Edited by Diana Mae Salonoy