Recapping This Weekend’s Basketball Action
The FIBA Basketball World Cup is off to a hot start full of upsets, star performances, and plenty of intrigue from Team USA despite getting off to a slow start. The Yanks had social media in a frenzy after starting slower than “Oppenheimer” during their opener against New Zealand. The United States looked much more complete in their blowout victory over Greece during the team’s second matchup.
There is no reason for [Team USA] to give up its status as the favorite to win the tournament…
The biggest story of the tournament has been Latvia’s 88-86 upset of France, who was one of the favorites to win the FIBA World Cup. France will now be watching from home despite a roster full of NBA talent including Rudy Gobert, Nic Batum, and Evan Fournier.
NBA stars have thrived in early action with Luka Doncic and Dennis Schroder both stealing the show over the weekend.
Austin Reaves Is Him & The Life of Paolo
The United States held just a one-point lead over New Zealand after the first quarter but a combination of Austin Reaves and Paolo Banchero ultimately led America to a comfortable win. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that Reaves is wildly popular in the Philippines with fans yelling “you’re him” every time the Lakers guard appears in public.
“Every breathe you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you,” – 🗣️ Philippines fans to Austin Reaves (probably)#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/oaA98iXZqb
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
Banchero posted a game-high 21 points including two big-time threes in the United States’ first victory. This performance has already prompted Lakers fans to wonder if Banchero will be the next Magic big man to bolt for Hollywood. Banchero has no problems with coming off the bench and admitted to counting down to the World Cup.
Paolo Banchero today:
21 Points
8/10 FG
4 BlocksFuture two way superstar loading…
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 26, 2023
“I was just waiting for this World Cup to start, man,” Banchero said after the first game. “When the lights is on, I’m ready to go. I’m ready. I’m here.”
Reaves followed up his impressive debut international performance with a team-high 15 points against Greece. The United States also received 13 points from both Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson.
Anthony Edwards shouts back to a fan shrieking during his free throw attempts 🤣
(via @FIBAWC) pic.twitter.com/ul5WmbwNoo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 28, 2023
We’re praying for Jordan in the next game.
Latvia Upset France Without Porzingis
Even more surprising than Latvia’s upset over France is the country’s ability to do it without big man Kristaps Porzingis. The newest Celtics star still went viral for his reaction as France’s potential game-winning shot rimmed out allowing Latvia to cement the upset.
Kristaps Porzingis surely loves Latvia’s win over France 🙌pic.twitter.com/Qr12QGf4Mt
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 28, 2023
“It felt we’re playing in Latvia,” Rolands Smits said after dropping 20 points against France. “The gym is full of Latvian people. It’s amazing that they came so far away to cheer us.”
Luka Is Doing Luka Things
Doncic looks like the after photo in one of those pesky YouTube diet ads as the noticeably slimmer star dropped a double-double in Slovenia’s 21-point win over Georgia. The Mavericks guard posted 34 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in the victory.
Let ’em know, Luka 🗣️
34 PTS | 10 REB | 6 AST | Slovenia W#FIBAWC | #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/7nNMnzG8u0
— NBA (@NBA) August 28, 2023
The good news for Mavs fans is Luka Doncic looks to be in impressive physical shape with the NBA season set to tipoff in less than two months.
Skinny Luka is going to be a problem man pic.twitter.com/VmBDj8beR8
— MKG (@MKG_Sports) August 19, 2023
Dennis Schroder Leads a Franz Wagner-Less Germany to a Win
Fresh off landing a new $25 million contract with the Raptors, Schroder is impressive to start the World Cup. Despite star Franz Wagner being sidelined, Schroder was able to lead Germany to a narrow three-point victory over Australia.
Dennis Schroder celebrates with his son after putting up 30 PTS, 8 AST, 4 STL in Germany’s win over Australia @FiBAWC ❤️pic.twitter.com/NalS6n5M7M
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 27, 2023
Schroder posted 30 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals while nailing 5-of-9 threes leading Germany to a win. Lakers fans are loving what they’re seeing from Reaves, but Schroder’s performance has a serious case of FOMO going around LALA Land.
Dennis Schroder put on a SHOW today 🙌
He joined Dirk Nowitzki as the second German player to score 30 points in the FIBA World Cup 🔥
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/iSrz5hk89l
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 27, 2023
That’s tuff (said Schroder, probably).
USA Will Be Heavy Favorites Over Jordan
Jordan is winless in their first two games, and the bad news is the country faces the United States next on Wednesday, August 30. The USA basketball team will need to guard against taking their foot off the gas, but the early signs point to Jordan being the worst team America has faced in Group C.
While the United States has been far from perfect, the team appears to be on an upward trajectory and no reason for the squad to give up its status as the favorite to win the tournament. Those are some good news for fans who like to bet on basketball, huh?
We’re just here for the next Reaves-Banchero highlight.
Austin Reaves and Paolo Banchero connect for the SLAM 🤝
(via @ESPN) pic.twitter.com/eGInZevy15
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 26, 2023
“I was one of those kids watching the World Cup [and] the Olympics, so every day I wake up and cherish those moments,” Reaves told Windhorst. “I’m from a super small town, and not a lot of people expected me to be here representing our country. So for the [crowds] to accept me the way that they accept me, it means a lot to me.”
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