USA 109, GRE 81
The United States improved to 2-0 at the 2023 FIBA Men's World Cup with a 109-81 win over Greece on Monday night at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
The USA is in Group C, and will face Jordan on Wednesday (4:40 a.m. ET). The game can be seen on ESPN2 or ESPN+.
The U.S. is seeking its sixth FIBA Men’s World Cup gold medal.
View the USA-Greece box score here.
TEAM NOTES
Starting Out: For the seventh straight game, the USA called upon Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Jaren Jackson Jr. as starters.
Worth Noting: With tonight’s 109-81 win, the USA is 19-2 all-time versus Greece and 5-1 all-time in World Cup competition. It marks the second win in 10 days for the Americans over Greece (Aug. 18, 108-86) after the two teams met in Abu Dhabi for the USA Basketball Showcase.
Preliminary Excellence: The U.S. moves to 59-2 all-time in preliminary games. Of note, 14 of the USA’s last 16 preliminary games have had win margins of greater than 20 points. The U.S. has scored more than 90 points in 10 of their last 11 games in World Cup preliminary rounds.
Big on the Boards: For the second straight game, the U.S. won the rebounding battle (40-25) and had a +4 margin in the paint. The U.S. outscored Greece 13-6 on second chance points.
Charity Night in Manila: The USA shot 30-for-34 (88%) from the free throw line. It marked the first time since Aug. 20, 2006 (vs. China) that the U.S. made 30+ free throws in a game. The USA was a perfect 18-for-18 in the first half.
Points All Around: All 12 players got into the scoring column, with Austin Reaves (15), Brunson (13), Edwards (13) and Bobby Portis (10) registering double-figures. Nine players scored 8+ points. Walker Kessler recorded points for the first time this tournament with four.
PLAYER NOTES
We’ve got Hart: Josh Hart came off the bench to record a team-high 11 rebounds, while also contributing six points and five assists. Hart had the team’s second-best efficiency rating (22).
Player of the Game: Manila fan-favorite Reaves was named the TCL Player of the Game with 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. He had a team-best 23 efficiency score and was +19 on the night.
Perfect From the Field: Brunson (5-5 FG) and Hart (2-2 FG) were perfect from the field. Portis also shot an impressive 4-for-5 (80%).
What's Next
USA vs. JOR | Aug. 30, 2023 at 4:40 a.m. ET | Manila, Philippines | ESPN2/ESPN+
A game recap will be published on usab.com.
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