Italy vs USA FIBA World Cup Quarter-Final Recap
- It was a first half dominated by the USA who went into halftime up 46-24 and remained a blowout the rest of the way, ending 100-63
- Mikal Bridges’ dominated for Team USA and put up a complete stat-line
- The USA scored one point less than their average (101 points) at this FIBA World Cup while Italy scored 18 points under their tournament average (81 points)
- This was Italy’s first FIBA World Cup Quarter-Final appearance in 25 years but not the outcome they wanted
- USA now wait for Germany vs Latvia to find out their Semi-Final opponent
- Going into this one, Utah Jazz fans had their eyes peeled on the in-game matchup between Walker Kessler (USA) vs. Simone Fontecchio (Italy) however Fontecchio fouled-out before Kessler first checked-in
TEAM USA DOMINATE ITALY IN A STRONG BOUNCE BACK PERFORMANCE
After being humbled by Lithuania only days ago, the USA meant business today. They put on a show and ran away with it, 100-63. At times, it looked more like an All-Star game than a FIBA World Cup Quarter-Final. Even with all the flair, putback dunks and alley-oops, it was a balanced attack for the Americans. To best showcase how balanced things were, only 3 players total had double-digits in points, with 12 of 13 players on the scoresheet by the end of the game.
ITALY DOWN EARLY AND COULDN’T MAKE A RUN
While it was thought that Lithuania had created the blueprint for how to defeat this version of Team USA, the Azzurri took another approach. It could have been a roster-based decision though, as the Italians didn’t have the size to replicate what Valanciunas and Motiejunas did 48 hours earlier. Regardless, their own approach cost them, as this one was never close with Italy’s last lead being 8-7 at the 4:51 mark of the 1st Quarter.
Not only could they not get anything going down low, they also couldn’t score from outside. They shot 31% from the field and only 18% from behind the arc. They simply struggled to make baskets throughout. Their star player, Simone Fontecchio did put up 18 points in the losing effort but fouled out by the start of the 4th Quarter.
MVP
Mikal Bridges’ 24 points led the way. He was strong from the jump and filled-up the entire stat sheet adding 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steal and 1 block. This was more than enough to award him the game’s MVP honours.
In addition to Bridges’, Tyrese Haliburton also added 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. It was a complete performance from both players and covered up a relatively underwhelming game from Anthony Edwards. This marked his lowest point total (3 pts) at this tournament but based on how the game was going, the Americans never really needed their superstar on the offensive end. Coach Kerr and co. will want to keep an eye on this but the mood will still be celebratory in the locker room after this one.
Next up for the Americans will be either Germany or Latvia in the Semi-Finals. This also guarantees improvement for Team USA based on the 2019 FIBA World Cup but it’s fair to say that their goal will be hoisting the FIBA World Cup trophy and not just a Semi-Final appearance.
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