Throughout the summer, there has been no shortage of questions about the United States’ World Cup team. “Is there enough talent?” “Who will be the breakout star?” “Will they be able to stop Giannis if they run into him?”
Well on Sunday, we got answers to a few of those questions.
Team USA met the Czech Republic in their first matchup of FIBA group play, and aside of an early lead for the Czech team, it was the United States establishing its dominance early on in this tournament with a huge 88-67 win.
As a lot of analysts predicted, it was Donovan Mitchell who came out and established himself as the star of this group, leading them in scoring with 16 points.
Aside from the good offense, which is no surprise from a team full of NBA players, it was how they played on the defensive that really set them apart. They helped the Czech Republic to just 67 points 41 percent shooting and forcing 15 turnovers. It’s usually the defensive end that separates the good and the great teams in international play.
The quest towards the World Cup final continues for this young squad on Tuesday as the take on Turkey.