2023 FIBA World Cup

World Cup Standouts Day 11: Tyrese Haliburton, Filip Petrusev step up

Take a look at the players who stood out the most during FIBA World Cup play on Sept. 5.

From NBA.com News Services

Filip Petrusev and Bogdan Bogdanovic (right) powered Serbia to a FIBA quarterfinals win Tuesday.

After a rest day, Tuesday’s FIBA World Cup games were quarterfinal matchups of utmost importance. When the games were finished, Serbia and the United States claimed semifinal spots on Day 11 of the FIBA World Cup, while the losing teams (Lithuania and Italy, respectively) are out of medal contention.

Here’s a look at who stood out during the quarterfinal action of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

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Mikal Bridges, USA

Much like in his days with the Phoenix Suns, Bridges’ run with Team USA up until Tuesday had been one filled with spot scoring, playmaking and defense. That all changed against Italy as the Brooklyn Nets’ star was aggressive from the opening tip in fueling a 100-63 romp. Bridges finished with 24 points on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting performance, which included a 4-for-6 mark on 3-pointers. He also had seven rebounds, two steals and an assist as he diced up Italy’s defense with his scoring from the outside and the interior. Team USA has a few days rest as it will face the winner of Wednesday’s Germany vs. Latvia game on Friday.

Tyrese Haliburton, USA

Haliburton, like Bridges, had one of his best games of the 2023 FIBA run on Tuesday and made his presence felt with his playmaking early. A choice no-look dime to Jaren Jackson Jr. in the first half drew cheers from the crowd, but his overall performance was nothing to ignore. He finished with 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals (and a block) in just 20 minutes of work while adding flair and style to a bounce-back win Team USA sorely needed after its loss to Lithuania.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia

The Atlanta Hawks’ do-it-all swingman showcased those skills in an 87-68 win Tuesday that gave his home country its third semifinals berth in its last four FIBA World Cups. He made his presence known as a scorer early on with four first-quarter layups en route to a 21-point performance. Bogdanovic amassed four rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals in the win vs. Lithuania, too. He also surpassed the 400-point mark in World Cup play and is just 26 points from passing Dirk Nowitzki for the No. 5 spot on the World Cup’s all-time scoring list. Serbia has a few days rest now as it won’t play in the semis until Friday, when it will face the winner of Wednesday’s Canada vs. Slovenia matchup.

Filip Petrusev, Serbia

Petrusev may have given Philadelphia 76ers fans a player to keep tabs on in 2023-24. The Sixers’ former second-round pick from 2021, who signed a deal with the team this summer, was strong in Serbia’s win Tuesday. Petrusev was plenty efficient in his 17 minutes, finishing with 17 points (on 7-for-8 shooting), six rebounds and two assists in the blowout victory. After spending the 2022-23 season in the Euroleague, Petrusev played in the 2K24 Summer League 2023 and averaged 12.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg on 61.1% shooting in two games.

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