FOSHAN, China — United States opened its bid for a third straight FIBA World Cup crown Sunday with an 88-67 romp of Czech Republic in Group E action in Shanghai.
Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell scored 16 points, Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes had 14 and new Boston Celtics standout Kemba Walker added 13 for the Americans.
Handled by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, US is hoping to maintain its hold as the world’s best basketball nation despite the withdrawal of top-tier NBA stars during the World Cup buildup.
The Americans reign began in 2010 when Kevin Durant led the team to victory over host Turkey in Istanbul before Kyrie Irving powered them to a second straight title opposite Serbia in Madrid, Spain.
Turkey routed Japan, 86-67, in the other game in Shanghai, Lithuania rolled to a 101-47 win over Senegal and Australia beat Canada, 108-62, in Dongguan.
Brazil downed New Zealand, 102-94, in Nanjing, Dominican Republic edged Jordan, 80-76, in Shenzhen and France topped Germany, 78-74.
Popovich, meantime, admitted the United States remain a work in progress after beating Czech Republic.
San Antonio Spurs mastermind Popovich was forced to name an experimental roster with major names such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry all either injured or unavailable.
This is no “Dream Team” but Popovich still has a side full of NBA players and the reigning two-time champions had too much quality for the Czechs, who are ranked 24th in the world.
Team USA is number one and the favorite in China, but it failed to sparkle for long periods in Shanghai and Popovich admitted: “It was a very competitive game, physical, an opportunity to learn a lot… an opportunity to get better.”
“That’s how we look at each of these games, to try to be the best team that we can be — and we’ve got a ways to go, but we are willing.”
In the absence of James and the rest, much was expected of Boston Celtics All-Star Kemba Walker, who scored 13 points and had a team-leading four assists.
Donovan Mitchell, a guard with the Utah Jazz, led the US with 16 points.
Popovich said that international basketball is different from the NBA and the US team are still getting to know each other.
“We are going to try to execute better and better as time goes on, but defensively we’ve got to put our money there,” said the 70-year-old.
“All in all, it’s getting better.” (Jonas Terrado/AFP)
