2023 FIBA World Cup

World Cup Standouts Day 2: Luka Doncic, Paolo Banchero shine in wins

Take a look at the players who stood out the most during FIBA World Cup play from Aug. 26.

From NBA.com Staff

NBA players star on Day 2 of FIBA World Cup

The action continued Saturday at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with several players and teams making an impressive showing on the international stage. The eight-game slate was highlighted by the stellar play of NBA stars Luka Doncic, Tyrese Haliburton and Paolo Banchero. Here’s a closer look at some of the top performers from games played on Aug. 26.

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Luka Doncic, Slovenia

The Mavs superstar guard is off to a hot start in the 2023 FIBA World Cup as he led Slovenia to a 100-85 win against Venezuela in the Group F opener. Doncic racked up a game-high 37 points (11-for-18 shooting) in a physical and competitive opening matchup. Despite the opposition’s impressive start against Slovenia,  Luka Magic proved to be too much in the second half as Doncic showcased his creative playmaking skills which featured a stellar behind-the-back, cross-court dime to set up teammate Jakob Cebasek for a corner 3-pointer. He finished with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block in 30 minutes. His 37 points are the most scored in a single game so far in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Paolo Banchero, USA

The 2023 Kia Rookie of the Year put on a show in his first FIBA World Cup appearance as Team USA notched a 99-72 victory against New Zealand in the Group C opener. The 20-year-old forward impressed off the bench as he led all scorers with 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting. While Banchero stood out offensively, his defense early on provided a much-needed spark for the United States after a slow start. He finished with four blocks, four rebounds and one assist.

Tyrese Haliburton & Austin Reaves, USA

The bench unit led the charge for Team USA in their opening win against New Zealand, with Haliburton and Reaves playing key roles. A first-time All-Star last season, Haliburton made the most of his 17-minute showing with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in the victory. Reaves came off the bench with four minutes to go in the first quarter and wowed the crowed in Manila with a big-time 3 to close the period. He finished with 12 points on 67% shooting, along with six rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Goga Bitadze, Georgia

It was a historic game between Georgia and Cape Verde as both teams made their debuts in the FIBA World Cup. Bitadze, who signed with the Orlando Magic last February, recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds to power Georgia to its first victory in World Cup competition with a 85-60 rout over Cape Verde.

Carlik Jones, South Sudan 

The reigning G League MVP, Jones went off in South Sudan’s FIBA World Cup opener against Puerto Rico. The two-way player for the Chicago Bulls impressed with 35 points and 11 assists, along with six rebounds and four steals, despite South Sudan suffering a 101-96 loss in Group B’s opening matchup.

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