After losing to Lithuania, 110-104, in its first setback of the FIBA World Cup, Team USA got back on track early Tuesday morning.
It made quick work of Italy, opening an early lead and accelerating toward a 100-63 win in what was a quarterfinal game of total domination.
After two quiet or even poor outings, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned to form on Tuesday. He silenced the doubters who wondered if he was overrated by scoring 12 points on 3-of-4 field-goal shooting and 2-of-3 from 3-point range. He also added four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes.
As he regularly did earlier in the tournament, the undrafted Arkansas native provided some attractive highlights.
Austin Reaves 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/xpTMwoJIG8
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) September 5, 2023
AUSTIN REAVES!!!!!! 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/VrCTXN6NcW
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) September 5, 2023
“Point Austin” Isolated Highlights:
In the 2H (esp the last 5min of the 4th w/ Hali out) vs Italy-
Team USA made an intentional effort to put the ball in Reaves’ hands.
• 14 pts generated
• 4 pts off Self-Creation
• 3 Asts
• 1 TOSummary: Good things happen w/ AR On-Ball. pic.twitter.com/3Cbqbzy4RW
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) September 5, 2023
The victory put the Americans in the semifinal round, which will take place on Friday.