Rising Star Austin Reaves Shines in Team USA’s Preseason Victory at 2023 FIBA World Cup
Los Angeles Lakers' Shooting Guard Proves Crucial in Team's Comeback Against Germany
Although Los Angeles Lakers’ shooting guard Austin Reaves joining Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup might have seemed like an afterthought initially, he’s quickly proving that he’s not just a part of the team, but possibly one of its top players.
In Team USA’s fifth exhibition match, they narrowly avoided their first preseason defeat. With the contributions of standout players like Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, and the emerging talent Austin Reaves, the team secured a hard-fought 99-91 victory over Team Germany led by former Lakers player Dennis Schröder. This contest marked a truly competitive showdown during their warm-up phase.
At a critical juncture in the third quarter, Team USA found themselves trailing by a significant 16-point margin. Yet, spurred by Anthony Edwards’ outstanding performance, the team staged an impressive comeback. A blazing 18-6 run brought them back into contention, narrowing Germany’s lead to just four points going into the final quarter.
Leading the scoring for Team USA is Anthony Edwards, currently averaging 19.2 points per game. In this particular match, Edwards displayed his prowess with a remarkable 34-point performance. As a key reserve player, Austin Reaves contributed 16 points, including five crucial points during the team’s third-quarter resurgence. Reaves was notably part of Head Coach Steve Kerr’s closing lineup, which ultimately secured the victory after a closely fought final quarter.
The closing quintet of Reaves, Edwards, Haliburton, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Mikal Bridges demonstrated their effectiveness as a unit, offering a compelling alternative to the more well-known stars like Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram. This impressive showing leaves Coach Kerr with intriguing decisions about player rotations in the upcoming weeks.
In the midst of the action, Dennis Schröder managed a double-double for Germany, amassing 16 points and distributing 10 assists. Another former Lakers player, Moritz Wagner, made a solid contribution with 14 points as a reserve player for Team Germany. The match showcased the emerging talents of Austin Reaves and the resilience of Team USA in a thrilling prelude to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
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