The Red, White and Blue suit-up again this morning to take on a familiar rival in Greece. Having played each other 10 days ago, the teams will be familiar with the opposition's scouting report, though I'm not sure how much help that will be for Greece. Without Antetokoumpo, the talent discrepancy between the two sides seems like chasm that simply can't be traversed.
When they played in Abu Dhabi, Team USA never trailed and won by a final score of 108-86. To Greece's credit, however, that lead was largely due to a hot start. Over the final 31 minutes of the game, the U.S. only outscored Greece 76-71 and committed 20 turnovers in the process.
Kerr on Austin Reaves and Tyrese Halliburton’s impact on the second unit:
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) August 27, 2023
“…. They move the ball so well. They’re both such good passers and playmakers. They understand when to put it on the floor and attack but they both have the ability to find cutters.” pic.twitter.com/fbfmUh1bkw
Against New Zealand, Haliburton finished with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. The team was plus-13 during his time on the court, which has become a recurring theme.
The second unit once again picked up slack for the starters. This time, Austin Reaves and Tyrese were joined by ROY Paolo Banchero in taking over the game. Banchero thrived playing small-ball five and dropped 21 points on fantastic efficiency from the floor. So far, it seems like the bench mob is the ace up Steve Kerr's sleeve. It will be interesting to see if/how opponents adjust their game plans in response as the tournament goes on.
Speaking of scouting reports, the word is out on Tyrese Haliburton. First we had Anthony Edwards telling everyone that if Haliburton goes right, he's going to take a side step three. Now we have the New Zealand coach calling out to his huddle that when Tyrese is in the game, they have to be ready for the hit-ahead pass.
https://t.co/i1pRmF6uoD pic.twitter.com/TvQcXbt4lc
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) August 26, 2023
Of course calling it out and stopping are horses of an entirely different color.
Tyrese Haliburton is a magician. 🧙♂️🪄#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/Ho4QZpK69T
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2023
Even if the games are early and not always watchable, I'm loving all the Haliburton content we're getting as a result of him playing for Team USA. Below are a few links I pulled off of Elon Musk's social experiment.
Cool from the logo @TyHaliburton22
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 27, 2023
🇺🇸 #USABMNT #WinForUSA pic.twitter.com/n57H3zbhoZ
The Twelve by @MGMRewards: Tyrese Haliburton
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 27, 2023
Once overlooked, Haliburton is proving he belongs with his selection to the 🇺🇸 #USABMNT. pic.twitter.com/Rgb077UMBX
📸 Put it in a museum! @AustinReaves15 and @TyHaliburton22 break down THAT famous frame! pic.twitter.com/OMMOIAZ5s3
— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2023
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