In a fascinating showdown at the FIBA FIBA World Cup in Manila, the United States team showed its basketball prowess, defeating Greece with a decisive score of 109-81. Sailing through the tournament, the U.S. team boasts a commendable 2-0 record, having previously beaten New Zealand. With Greece without the services of their ace player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the stage was set for American stars like Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards to step up, and they did not disappoint.
Second FIBA victory for the United States against Greece
In a masterful display in Manila, the United States team earned its second FIBA World Cup victory, dominating Greece 109-81. With a stellar 2-0 start, they previously overwhelmed New Zealand in their campaign.
Greece evidently struggled without star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. The U.S. team saw Austin Reaves of the Lakers lead the way with 15 points, while Jalen Brunson of the Knicks and Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves contributed 13 points apiece. Georgios Papagiannis was the standout for Greece, scoring 17 points in a 23-minute period.
Representing the New York Knicks with distinction, Josh Hart caught the eye with his exceptional ability to control the boards. Displaying an uncanny ability to anticipate the ball's trajectory, Hart managed to secure five crucial offensive rebounds.
Amazingly, this individual effort by Hart coincided with the entire Greek team's offensive rebounding tally for the game. Team USA's superiority was on full display throughout the contest, as they consistently held the lead at the end of each quarter, reflecting their perfect coordination and strategy.
Brunson, with his keen basketball IQ, emerged as a key cog in the team's offensive maneuvering. His keen court vision ensured fluid ball movement, setting up his teammates in prime positions.
This teamwork and synergy translated into impressive statistics: the U.S. team masterfully converted opportunities, racking up 25 assists on 34 successful field goals, and also showed their accuracy from the free throw line, sinking 34 of their attempts.
Easy the first one! 😏
USA 🇺🇸 defeated New Zealand 🇳🇿 in its first game of the FIBA World Cup 🏀
Paolo Banchero 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks pic.twitter.com/2UgpA038BO
- All Sport News (@All_SportNews) August 26, 2023
Papagiannis: The early beacon for Greece
Early in the game, Georgios Papagiannis emerged as a beacon of hope for the Greek team, asserting himself with authority and skill. His dominance in the paint made it clear that he was a player to be reckoned with. However, as the game progressed, Team USA's Austin Reaves dramatically changed the narrative of the game. With an electrifying steal followed by a high-flying dunk, Reaves not only brought the crowd to its feet, but also forced the Greek management to call a timeout, hoping to regroup and recalibrate their strategy.
Despite Greece's energetic efforts and determination in the first half, the scenario changed after halftime.
The Americans, showing their depth and talent, began to pull away, widening the scoring gap. Brunson's accuracy from beyond the arc was especially notable, with one of his three-pointers extending the U.S. lead to 22 points, the largest margin of the game.
In the final quarter, Team USA's triumph was on the horizon, their strategic plays and synergy painting a picture of dominance. Despite their obvious lead, a glimmer of hope shone for Greece when Thanasis Antetokounmpo rose for a thunderous slam.
The crowd erupted, momentarily electrifying the atmosphere. However, this singular display of brilliance could not override the overall narrative of the game. Unfortunately for Greece, Thanasis' subsequent missed opportunities early in the second half further diminished their prospects, making Team USA's impending victory even more certain.
