FIBA World Cup 2019: Top 5 individual performances from the quarterfinals

The 2019 FIBA World Cup group stage was among the most exciting stage in the tournament's history, and the much-hyped quarter-final stage did not disappoint. Yesterday saw the pre-tournament favorites Serbia take on an unbeaten Argentina team, and the South Americans managed to defy expectations to come away with one of the biggest wins in the nation's history.

Meanwhile, Spain also advanced to the semifinals following an excellent performance against a Polish team that was making it's first World Cup performance in more than 50 years.

Day 2 of the quarter-finals was headlined by Team USA's clash with France, and the Europeans pulled off a stunning win over the two-time defending champions. USA's defeat was it's first in 58 international games, a run stretching back to 2006. Meanwhile, Australia also advanced to the final four courtesy of a comfortable win over the Czech Republic.

Nevertheless, there were excellent performers on all sides, and here we will look at the top five individual performances from the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

#5 Evan Fournier - France

Evan Fournier continued to put up big numbers for his team

In his first World Cup, Evan Fournier has established himself as the focal point of France's offense. And, while the Orlando Magic man didn't enjoy his best shooting night against Team USA (42% from the field), Fournier managed to drain several huge 3s as his team came back to stun the Americans.

Fournier finished the game with 22 points, 4 assists and, 3 rebounds, and his ability to score clutch points with the game close proved vital. The 26-year-old has now averaged more than 20 points per game during the tournament, and he will play a big role over the next four days.

#4 Patty Mills - Australia

San Antonio Spurs star Patty Mills has delivered some of the best performances of his career during the 2019 FIBA World Cup

Patty Mills has never been able to establish himself as a starter in the NBA, although the San Antonio Spurs star has demonstrated his ability to lead his nation during Australia's terrific run in China. Mills was once again at his best during Australia's comfortable victory over the Czech Republic as he controlled the tempo of the game from the backcourt.

In 29 minutes, Mills posted 24 points while shooting 60% from the field. The 31-year-old also exploded from beyond the arc as he knocked down 6 of his 9 three-point attempts. He also led his team in assists (6), and the point guard will play a huge role as Australia attempt to defy expectations and return home with an unlikely gold medal.

#3 Ricky Rubio - Spain

Ricky Rubio put in another instrumental performance as Spain overcame the Polish in the quarterfinals

Ricky Rubio's ability to lead a team was questioned during his time with the Utah Jazz, and the Spaniard wasn't offered a new contract by the team earlier this summer. However, the now Phoenix Suns star has set out to prove his doubters wrong and Rubio was once again the focal point during Spain's comfortable win over Poland.

He led the way with 19 points and continued to show his improved perimeter shooting by knocking down 3 of his 4 attempts from deep. He was also Spain's chief creator with 9 assists and pulled down five boards during an excellent all-around performance. Rubio's form has been especially important due to Sergio Llull's struggles, and the 28-year-old will be confident of delivering a first World Cup win for Spain since their triumph in 2006.

#2 Donovan Mitchell - Team USA

Donovan Mitchell impressed as the USA lost its first competitive fixture since the 2006 World Cup

The likes of Kemba Walker and Myles Turner struggled to make any sort of impact during Team USA's elimination to France, although Gregg Popovich's team had one stand out performer in Donovan Mitchell. The Utah Jazz guard scored 29 points during an excellent individual performance, and Mitchell was at times the only USA player offering any resistance as the French looked to pull away in the third quarter.

Admittedly, Mitchell didn't score a single point in the 4th quarter, although the 23-year-old appeared to tire after receiving little help from his misfiring teammates. Mitchell also led his team in assists (6) and rebounds (4), and also came up with a pair of steals. Ultimately, Mitchell could be the only man from the World Cup roster that participates in next summers Olympics.

#1 Rudy Gobert - France

Rudy Gobert put in a dominant performance as France defeated the USA

Since entering the NBA as a late first-round pick in the 2013 NBA draft, Rudy Gobert has developed into one of the NBA's most dominant players, and the Frenchman destroyed the USA during perhaps the best individual performance of the tournament so far.

Popovich's decision to go with a small lineup for much of the game backfired, as the 7 ft 2 in center dominated a US side that lacked a true center. Gobert eventually finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds as he excelled at both ends of the court, and also recorded 3 blocks. Gobert's stops including a vital block in the closing minutes of the game as Donovan Mitchell drove to the basket - which secured France's progression to the next round.

With Gobert in this kind of form, the French will be difficult to stop, and the 26-year-old is in firm contention to be named the player of the tournament.