After experiencing a wake-up call with a loss in a previous game, the U.S. national basketball team came back stronger and more determined than ever. Their renewed focus and commitment were evident in their quarterfinal match against Italy at the Basketball World Cup, where they delivered a devastating blow to the Italian team by handing them their worst loss in a global tournament in nearly 45 years. Led by Mikal Bridges with 24 points and Tyrese Haliburton with 18 points from six 3-pointers, the U.S. dominated offensively and were impenetrable defensively in their 100-63 victory.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr expressed the team's perspective on their journey, stating, "It's been a five-week journey for this group and there's five more days. That's how we look at it. We're the horse turning back to the barn." With their sights set on the gold medal, the U.S. team can secure a spot in the championship game if they win in the semifinals against either Germany or Latvia. This level of commitment and dedication was evident throughout the game against Italy.
In a display of dominant performance, the U.S. team showcased their defensive prowess, leaving Italy struggling to find any offensive rhythm. The last time Italy suffered a defeat of this magnitude in a tournament of this level was back in 1968 during the Mexico City Olympics, when the U.S. defeated them 100-61. Italy shot just 31% from the field and a mere 18% from beyond the arc, highlighting the remarkable defensive improvement from the U.S. team, which had previously struggled in their loss to Lithuania.
The lead quickly grew to 46-24 by halftime, with Austin Reaves adding to the team's commanding play with a follow-slam that had his teammates on their feet. Even though Anthony Edwards, the U.S.'s leading scorer, did not make an impact on the score sheet until the third quarter, his contributions were not required. The defensive effort from the entire team was outstanding, proving to be the best display of the summer for the Americans.
Italy's Simone Fontecchio led his team with 18 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the U.S. dominance. Italian forward Luigi Datome acknowledged the U.S. team's impressive performance, saying, "They played very good basketball. They created very good shots and they made them."
In contrast to their previous World Cup campaign four years ago, where the U.S. team suffered a quarterfinal defeat to France, they are now on track for a successful tournament. The formula is clear for the Americans: a steadfast focus on defense, a relentless offensive approach, and forcing opponents to play the U.S.'s preferred style.
With a commanding win over Italy, the U.S. team improved to 10-1 overall this summer. They have displayed their ability to create tough shots, rebound effectively, and convert opportunities into quick offense, which has only enhanced their chances of securing the gold medal.
In the history of senior men's national basketball, Italy has only defeated the U.S. twice in 14 previous encounters at this level. The U.S. team's convincing victory now places them one step closer to their goal. As Bridges affirmed, "We were ready. And we're going to stay ready until we get out of here."
TIP-INS:
- The U.S. team was 16.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Jaren Jackson Jr., the U.S. team's starting center, encountered early foul trouble in both the previous game against Lithuania and against Italy.
- Notable NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein was in attendance to witness the U.S. team's dominant display.
- Italy's Simone Fontecchio is the sole current NBA player on the Italian roster, while Nicolo Melli and Luigi Datome have past experience in the NBA.
- This impressive World Cup performance guarantees Italy no worse than an eighth-place finish, their best showing since 1998 when they finished sixth.