Team USA Opens the FIBA World Cup With a Win Over the Czech Republic, 88-67

The United States basketball team has started its FIBA World Cup participation with a win over the Czech Republic, 88-67. The Americans were dominant from the start until the end, and didn’t allow the rival the slightest chance for some better result.

Boston’s duo Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker were bossing things on the floor in the first 20 minutes. It appears that the Celtics are going to have great chemistry between the two stars once the NBA season starts. The second half was marked by two other guys, Donovan Mitchell, and Harrison Barnes.

Gregg Popovich’s boys were a bit slower in the opening quarter when they scored just 17 points, but were very good on the defensive side of the court, limiting the Czechs to only 14 buckets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsvbdZqW1ZI

The things began to fit in during the second period, which ended with their 26-15 win, and which saw the US team playing much faster and more aggressive. It was the above-mentioned duo Walker-Tatum who pushed the US crew during the first half, as they combined for 20 of America’s 43 points.

Also, the Czech Republic was losing pace because their best player Tomas Satoransky couldn’t play at the same level alone, without the big help of his teammates. The Chicago Bulls player was posting Walker constantly, but at some point, he lost the energy.

As soon as the second half started, Mitchell and Barnes emerged to the surface with their bursts, which totally killed the morale of the rivals. During the final 10 minutes, the US team had reached 26 points, 83-56, but they moved the foot of the gas pedal and ended the contest without any problems.

Mitchell was the top scorer of the American team with 16 points, shooting 7 for 11 from the field. Barnes had 14 buckets, while Kemba had 13, 6 for 8 FG and 4 dimes. Tatum had 10 points.

Calling it right now: Donovan Mitchell is gonna end up being Team USA’s best player. (via @FIBAWC) pic.twitter.com/QqWAjw2FTO

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 1, 2019

Among the Czech’s Satoransky had 17 points with 5 assists, while Jaromir Bohacik and Vojtech Hruban each scored 13.

One interesting fact. The US team had 40 boards, while the Czech Republic had 38. We don’t often see some side to have restrained the rebounding domination of the American crew and to lose with such a high margin. What caused this was a much better shot of the US team for three points, than during the previous matches. After hitting twice in 14 attempts against Canada, they made 10 from 26 today.

Up next, the USA faces Turkey in the second round. The Turks have defeated Japan in their opening match with 86-67. Milwaukee Bucks’ Ersan Ilyasova led his team with 19 points, while Cavaliers Cedi Osman scored 12 buckets shooting 6 of 8.

The Turkish side is the toughest opponent for the Team USA in this group, but still, Popovich’s guys are the ultimate favorite in that matchup. That match is scheduled for this Tuesday.

In other games of the day, the reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Greece demolished Montenegro with 85-60. In the same Group F, Brazil turned the result upside down against New Zealand and won 102-94.

Team Canada lost against Australia 108-92, with Matthew Delavedova scoring 24 buckets for the Boomers, and hitting 6 three-pointers in that match. Another match of Group H saw Lithuania humiliating Senegal with 101-47.