Throughout the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA has struggled with slow starts.
That issue was prevalent in their upset loss to Lithuania to close out group play on Sunday. As a result, the U.S. was determined to bounce back in a big way in their quarterfinals matchup against Italy.
It’s safe to say that mission was accomplished.
Team USA led by double digits for the majority of a 100-63 blowout victory over Italy on Tuesday to open direct knockout play action.
"Our guys got after it right from the beginning," said Team USA Head Coach Steve Kerr. "We put pressure on (them) and kept the pressure on. The next group came in and did the same thing. It was our best defensive effort of the tournament to this point. That's what it is going to take to win two more games."
Brooklyn Nets swingman Mikal Bridges led the U.S. with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton tallied 18 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
"It was important how we set the tone," Bridges explained. "Just knowing the intensity that we have to play with from the jump. We all felt that and know what we have to do. That's what we have to take to the next game."
The Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero came up big for Team USA by stepping up off the bench, playing starter-level minutes, and delivering a squad-best positive 27 plus-minus rating as center Jaren Jackson Jr. dealt with foul trouble.
The NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year, who considered playing for Italy this summer before choosing the U.S., finished the contest with eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. He had a number of highlight-worthy plays, including a two-handed alley-oop slam off a between-the-legs set up from Haliburton.
Magic on Deck:
The Wagner brothers and Germany are set for a quarterfinals matchup with Latvia at 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Moe Wagner has played a major role igniting the Germans off the bench. Franz Wagner is still considered day-to-day after slightly spraining his ankle in Germany’s matchup against Japan.
If Germany defeats Latvia, it’ll go head-to-head with Team USA in the semifinals.