Austin Reaves shows star power in Team USA’s Fiba World Cup win

Team USA’s Austin Reaves goes for a reverse layup against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Arena. FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Austin Reaves may not be the biggest star in Team USA, but he is certainly the most popular.

Filipino fans cheered and roared when he scored or made an assist. Despite having NBA All-Star teammates, Reaves drew the loudest cheers during the player introductions before the United States played New Zealand in its Fiba World Cup opener at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The reception was not really surprising not only because Reaves plays for the beloved Los Angeles Lakers but he’s also a bonafide star in the making.

He’s shown it for the Lakers in their Western Conference Finals run and his brilliance was on full display against New Zealand as one of the key players off the bench that turned things around for Team USA, which trailed by 10 early.

“Obviously not the start we wanted but our intensity and physicality after the first five mins were much better,” Reaves said after the US’ 99-72 victory.

Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton checked into the game at the 4:09 mark of the first and both instantly provided the energy that the starters lacked.

Team USA’s Austin Reaves reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Arena. FIBA PHOTO

“Austin and Tyrese they’re incredible. They’re amazing two players that get that spark going. I mean, they just play the game so freely and it’s really fun to watch,” said Jalen Brunson, who started at point guard for the Americans.

Reaves finished with 12 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals while Haliburton did a little bit of everything as well with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Paolo Banchero was the other player off the bench who made the difference for Team USA, impacting the game on both ends with 21 points and four blocks.

“That’s the message from day one. This is not the NBA, this is Fiba. We’re gonna need all 12. It’s gonna be a different guy every night. Tonight Paolo came off the bench,” said USA coach Steve Kerr, who drew 54 points from its second unit.

“But the whole second unit really came in and righted the ship after that slow start. That whole group with Austin and Tyrese, the ball movement, the change of pace we had with that group was really fun to watch.”