SHANGHAI: The United States failed to sparkle as they launched their bid for a third World Cup title in a row with an 88-67 victory over the Czech Republic on Sunday in Shanghai. Greece and Australia, both touted as possible threats to a depleted Team USA, also triumphed on the second day of action in China.
Respected US coach Gregg Popovich was forced to name an experimental roster with major names such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry all either injured or unavailable. This is no “Dream Team” but Popovich still has a team full of NBA players and the reigning twotime champions had too much quality for the Czechs, who are ranked 24th in the world. America are number one and still the favourites in China. In the absence of James and the rest, much was expected of Boston Celtics All-Star Kemba Walker, who scored 13 points and a team-leading four assists.
Donovan Mitchell, a guard with the Utah Jazz, led the US with 16 points. After a slow start the Americans, who have admitted they are still trying to really gel as a team, began to showcase their talent as the match ticked to its conclusion and the Czechs wilted. In the same group, Turkey — prime challengers to the USA in the first round — defeated Japan 86-67. – AFP
