Team USA Impresses Ahead of FIBA World Cup: A Commanding Win Over Puerto Rico

• NBA

Team USA flexed its basketball prowess with a dominant 117-74 win over Puerto Rico, giving fans a taste of what’s to come in the forthcoming FIBA World Cup. The impressive victory marked the conclusion of their five-day training camp, setting the stage for what the team hopes will be a victorious run at the gold next month in the Philippines.

Kerr's Debut as Senior National Team Coach

Steve Kerr, stepping into the role as head coach of the senior national team, expressed his elation post-game. "It's a great night for us," he said, indicating his satisfaction with how the players have embraced the team's tactics on both sides of the court.

Kerr added, "I think the guys have really picked up what we're trying to install at both ends and we're slowly but surely getting used to the FIBA rules and interpretations -- coaches included." Adjusting to these rules and nuances is vital, he suggested, as it forms a significant part of the preparations for the challenges they'll face at the World Cup.

Dominant Play Defines The Night

While the entire match showcased Team USA's strength, the third and fourth quarters were especially notable. Outscoring their opponents 34-18 and 33-13 respectively, Team USA utilized an aggressive defense, forcing Puerto Rico into 18 turnovers.

These turnovers translated into a whopping 31 points, enabling the Americans to control the game and strike swiftly in transition. Jalen Brunson, the team's starting point guard, reflected on the night's strategy and performance. "It took us a while to get going, but when we're playing the defensive side of the ball and getting stops and turnovers and running, it's pretty fun for us," he said.

With a double-double, racking up 11 points and 12 rebounds in just 22 minutes, Brunson emphasized the team's focus on defense. "So we just got to try to continue to do that. Just not worry about offense at all, and we'll be all right." The game against Puerto Rico is a promising sign for Team USA.

As they gear up for the World Cup, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching, hoping this level of performance will carry them to the coveted gold.