Team USA’s Jalen Brunson wary of ‘proven’ second round foes

Team USA guard Jalen Brunson in the Fiba World Cup. -FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines-Jalen Brunson expects the United States to have its hands full this time when it faces Montenegro and Lithuania in the second round of the Fiba World Cup.

After sweeping Group C in relative breeze, the Americans could see themselves being tested for the first time against the European sides, a thing that Brunson is cautious of.

“Two great teams, two teams that are proven,” Brunson said after Team USA’s 110-62 rout of Jordan. “We got our hands full and it’s something that we have to be ready.”

Team USA will play Montenegro on Friday before meeting Lithuania in a battle of group winners two nights later, both to be held at Mall of Asia Arena.

Lithuania, led by Jonas Valanciunas, likewise won all three matches in Group D with the Nikola Vucevic-bannered Montenegro getting the other spot at 2-1.

Team USA’s Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against Jordan in the Fiba World Cup. -FIBA PHOTO

The Americans won all of their three games by a combined margin of 103, including their conquest of New Zealand and Greece despite slow starts.

Both games saw the bench led by Austin Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton hold the forth for the United States before Anthony Edwards fired 22 against Jordan in a prelude of what the tournament could be for the Minnesota Timberwolves star.

Regular starers Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. have quietly produced for Team USA as well.

“We just want to win,” said the New York Knicks guard. “It’s something that’s really important that we all care about, just winning. If It’s the forefront of our minds, then we’ll be alright.”