(Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Although they didn’t get off to the best start, Team USA ended up scoring it’s first win of the FIBA Basketball World Cup and multiple NBA stars contributed.
After initially trailing by nearly 10 points, the team ultimately took down New Zealand with a strong 99-72 victory.
The biggest contributors during the game were Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Haliburton, and Austin Reaves.
Banchero put up a game-high 21 points, while Haliburton was solid with 10 and Reaves had 12 of his own.
1 down
#WinForUSA | #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/dHnKohI2MW
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 26, 2023
The response to Team USA’s big win was immediate and mostly positive online.
Many people came out to show their patriotic pride after the victory.
Let’s go USA
— Mr. Solly (@IvSolly) August 26, 2023
Running the world
— nathanseliteworld (@nathansGworld) August 26, 2023
But others had some suggestions for head coach Steve Kerr.
Some said that Reaves and Haliburton should be starters over Jalen Brunson and that Banchero should be a constant presence on the court to help with rim protection.
Plz start austin or Hali over Brunson and the team will be even better. Should also add Paolo for the rim protection
— Hassan Haulcy (@suum24) August 26, 2023
Some were even bold enough to suggest a new starting lineup: Anthony Edwards, Reaves, Haliburton, Banchero, and Mikal Bridges.
Ant, AR, Tyrese, Paolo, Mikal that’s the starting 5.
— A i R Bron (@Air24Superfan) August 26, 2023
In fact, many were calling for the bench stars, such as Reaves, to get their proper respect.
Show Reaves his respect
— MookieMagic (@MambaBald) August 26, 2023
It remains to be seen if Kerr takes the advice of the fans and changes his lineup.
Even after weeks of practicing, he and his coaching staff are still figuring out what they like most and who will be starting and coming off the bench.
Team USA now has a 1-0 score in Group C and will next play on Monday when they face off against Greece.
They have had a strong start in the World Cup and now they are hoping to maintain their momentum in the days ahead.
The post Fans React To Team USA’s First Win At FIBA World Cup appeared first on The Cold Wire.