USA Basketball dominates Puerto Rico in World Cup tune-up opener with a resounding 117-74 victory

The U.S. basketball team dominated Puerto Rico in an exhibition game, winning 67-31 in the second half.

The U.S. basketball team had a strong performance in their exhibition game against Puerto Rico, winning with a score of 67-31 in the second half. Mikal Bridges led the team with 14 points, while seven players scored in double figures. U.S. coach Steve Kerr expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating that the players have embraced the strategies and tactics being implemented.

Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 12 points, while Jalen Brunson had 11 points and 12 rebounds. Bobby Portis and Brandon Ingram also scored 11 points each. Tyrese Haliburton played a key role with 12 assists. The U.S. dominated several statistical categories, including rebounding (53-27), points off turnovers (31-9), blocked shots (10-2), and shooting percentage (56% compared to Puerto Rico's 37%).

The players attributed their success to teamwork and selflessness. Brunson highlighted the importance of putting egos aside for the sake of winning. He commended his teammates for their high character and commitment to the team's goals.

On the Puerto Rican side, Tremont Waters led the team with 17 points, followed by George Conditt IV with 12 points and Jordan Howard with 10 points.

The game had its fair share of thrilling moments and mistakes, showcasing the talent disparity between the two teams. Kerr emphasized the importance of solid play, avoiding turnovers and fouls, defending the three-point line, and controlling the boards to wear down opponents over the course of a game.

The exhibition game in Las Vegas was the first of five before the World Cup. The team will travel to Spain for games against Slovenia and Spain, followed by matches in Abu Dhabi against Greece and Germany. The World Cup will take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, with the U.S. competing in Manila. The Americans are motivated to redeem themselves after their disappointing seventh-place finish in the 2019 World Cup in China.

The U.S. team's dominance was evident in the third quarter when they outscored Puerto Rico 34-18, extending their halftime lead to a commanding 23 points. The Americans continued to build on their lead, never allowing Puerto Rico to mount a comeback.

Kerr expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance in Las Vegas and looked forward to the upcoming games in Malaga, Spain.

In other news, Puerto Rico will also be playing their group-stage World Cup games in Manila, albeit in a different group. They will face South Sudan, Serbia, and China. Tremont Waters, who played in France last season, joined the Puerto Rican team after being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs.

The U.S. team's exhibition record on home soil remains impressive, with 11 wins out of 11 games. Their overall exhibition record stands at 24 wins and 1 loss, with the only defeat coming against Australia in 2019. The team welcomed newcomers Austin Reaves and Keldon Johnson, while Josh Hart was rested but is expected to make his debut in Spain.

The starting lineup for the U.S. team featured Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Kerr emphasized that the starting lineup is not set in stone and may change in future games.

The game was attended by notable figures in basketball, including Kevin Durant, Jerry Colangelo, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins, Tom Thibodeau, Will Hardy, and Jose Alvarado.

Looking ahead, Puerto Rico will face Italy in Ravenna, Italy, while the U.S. team prepares for their upcoming games in Spain.

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