U.S. rolls past Czechs in World Cup opener
Czech one win off for the United States at the FIBA World Cup.
The Americans handled the Czech Republic 88-67 in both teams' tournament opener Sunday in Shanghai. The U.S. utilized a balanced attack with five players finishing in double digits, led by Donovan Mitchell's game-high 17 points.
Gregg Popovich rolled out a starting five of Mitchell, Kemba Walker, Harrison Barnes, Jayson Tatum, and Myles Turner. While the Czechs kept the game close in the first quarter, the Americans went small late in the frame to create a momentum swing.
Combinations of Walker and Marcus Smart, and Khris Middleton and Derrick White, joined Barnes, Jaylen Brown, and Joe Harris to close out the first on a 10-3 run.
The U.S. was firmly in control by the second quarter. Tatum even played the role of rim-protector against Czech center Martin Kriz during the frame.
Jayson Tatum with the block 😍 #Celtics pic.twitter.com/IvrdBjXum8
— Casey Baker - New Account :/ (@_CaseyBaker) September 1, 2019
Chicago Bulls guard Tomas Satoransky led the way for the Czechs with 13 points on 54% shooting.
Both teams next play Tuesday. The Americans take on Turkey, while the Czech Republic goes up against Rui Hachimura and Japan.