That’s now three wins in three games for Team USA. The Americans have taken a significant step toward their ultimate goal of winning a gold medal after securing a perfect record in the Group Stage with dominant wins over New Zealand, a Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Greece side, and Jordan.
Bobby Portis on Team USA’s Chemistry: ‘Finally Turning the Corner’
Tuesday’s victory over Jordan was Team USA’s biggest win in the tournament thus far. The Americans blew out their opponents en route to an eye-opening 110-62 win to close out the group stage.
After the game, Milwaukee Bucks big man Bobby Portis spoke out about one significant factor that he believes has been evident in Team USA’s three straight wins:
“Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve grown as a unit. Obviously hanging around guys and building that chemistry and camaraderie off the court, getting to know guys… when you get to these tournaments, that’s when the chemistry starts,” Portis said (h/t Jedd Pagaduan of ClutchPoints). “When you get on the road, when you get on the hotel, you play cards together, you hang out, you go out to eat. Find that vibe, find that connection, and I think it’s finally turning the corner for us.”
We’re in this as one. @BPortistime checks in after the 🇺🇸 #USABMNT moves to 3-0 at the World Cup.#WinForUSA pic.twitter.com/ydAeBzilQI
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 30, 2023
Portis seemed to have implied that Team USA is just getting started here. They’re finally getting their groove, which is obviously bad news for the rest of the opposition in the FIBA World Cup.
For his part, Portis had his best game of the tournament against Jordan. The Bucks veteran scored 13 points in just 16 minutes of action. The 6-foot-10 big man went 4-of-7 from the field, while also logging six rebounds and three steals, once again providing quality minutes off the bench for head coach Steve Kerr.
Team USA will now progress to the second round where they have been grouped against Montenegro, Greece, and a Lithuania side that has also yet to lose a single game in the tournament. Their next game is scheduled for Thursday against Montenegro.
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