Austin Reaves: Team USA tough to beat when locked in defensively

Team USA’s Austin Reaves and Bobby Portis during a game against Italy in the Fiba World Cup quarterfinals. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Team USA bounced back in a huge way after trouncing Italy, 100-63, in the 2023 Fiba World Cup quarterfinals at Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

Just two nights ago, the Americans swallowed a tough 110-104 loss against Lithuania, but that’s all in the past for them. 

The quest, however, only gets tougher as Team USA faces either Latvia or Germany in the semis.

For Austin Reaves, how well Team USA plays on the defensive end would likely determine how far the United States goes with the World Cup in its final stretch.

Team USA guard Austin Reaves. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“It starts on the defensive end. Anytime you can force a tough shot, rebound and go, it’ll make our offense so much better. Just being able to get out and run like that, it tired them out, honestly,” said Reaves after finishing with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.

“That’s kind of what we need. We, obviously it’s not a secret anymore, like to get on transition and go. If you don’t know that you haven’t watched any of our games.”

Team USA was a menace on both ends against the Italians, forcing 14 turnovers, half of which off steals, that led to 25 easy points. The US also dominated the rebounding department, 51-33, and had six blocks.

The United States also shut down Italy to just 30 percent shooting from the field, including 7-of-38 from long distance.

Expect the US to continue to lock in defensively as the Americans clash with either Germany or Latvia in the semifinals on Friday.

“Defensively, if we’re locked in like this, I can’t say we’re impossible to beat because obviously we got beat last game, but we’ll be a hard team to beat.”