Fans in awe of Austin Reaves and Team USA after blowout win over Puerto Rico: "117 Points WE BACK"

Austin Reaves and a young Team USA roster kickstarted their preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 117-74 exhibition win over Puerto Rico.

The Americans got off to a slow start. It was the first time the team was playing against an international opponent after a handful of scrimmages, so they took their time to find their rhythm.

The USA led 50-43 at half-time, before putting on a show in the second. USA outscored its opponents 77-31 in the last two frames to seal a 43-point win.

Things turned around midway through the third quarter as the USA embarked on a 20-0 run to put the game to bed.

A total of six players scored in double-digits for the USA, while Tyrese Haliburton had 12 dimes off the bench, a team-high. Anthony Edwards and Cam Johnson led all scorers with 15 points apiece, while Mikal Bridges had 14 and Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 12.

Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram and Bobby Portis had 11 points each. Brunson also had 12 rebounds.

Austin Reaves was the team's best player in the first half. He received the loudest cheers upon entering the game and went on a 5-0 run alone. The Lakers star finished with nine points.

The performance had Team USA fans excited about the team's prospects of winning the FIBA World Cup after their disappointing seventh-placed finish in 2019.

Team USA looks the deepest it has been in a long time

One of the things that was evident during Team USA's 43-point rout of the Puerto Ricans was their depth. USA doesn't just have a well-balanced roster, but a stacked one too.

Notably, they have adequate backups in all five positions. The power forward and center positions stand out.

Having an interior presence on both ends is crucial. Team USA looks lethal, with Jaren Jackson Jr., Paolo Banchero, Bobby Portis and Walker Kessler filling out these positions.

Team USA also has solid two-way wings in Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram and Cam Johnson, who were instrumental in the second half against Puerto Rico.

Their activity on the perimeter helped the USA set out in transition. The guard rotation also looks efficient with Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves.

It's safe to say coach Steve Kerr and his staff will be spoilt for choice when they tip off their FIBA World Cup campaign at the end of the month.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

Know More