The United States men's national basketball team is firing on all cylinders at the ongoing 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Team USA snatched a dominant 109-81 win against Greece, their second at the group stages on Monday, August 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves was the man of the night, scoring a team-high 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 1-of-3 from three-point distance, and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. The 6-foot-5 undrafted player added 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort.
The 25-year-old made the FIBA World Cup record books with his outing, becoming the first Team USA player to have at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a World Cup game since Lakers teammate LeBron James did it thrice in the 2006 edition of the international tournament.
Austin Reaves joins LeBron James as the only Team USA players with at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists at the World Cup since 1994. #Lakers #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/FibnlTSn0T
— Raúl Barrigón (@BarriHoopsHype) August 28, 2023
Team USA has steamrolled two of its games in the tournament's group stages, claiming a lopsided win against New Zealand in their opening game last Saturday, August 26.
They are expected to top Group C regardless of whether they win or lose their final group stage game against Jordan on the morning of Wednesday, August 30.
Austin Reaves is incredibly popular in the Philippines
The undrafted 6-foot-5 guard had a breakout season in 2022-23, helping the Lakers make the Western Conference Finals after a 2-10 start, eliminating the defending champions Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs.
Reaves played a big role for the purple and gold during those games, enabling him to reach immense popularity in the basketball-crazy nation.
Filipino fans have been cheering for Reaves whenever he touches the ball during Team USA games.
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