The United States easily handles group stage opponent Greece 108-86 in World Cup settings

until Without two-time NBA MVP Giannis AntetokounmpoGreece is expected to be the toughest opponent for Team USA in the group stage of the World Cup.

In a good sign for Team USA’s prospects, the Americans easily tackled the Greeks in a set game in Abu Dhabi, UAE, racing to an early lead and winning 108-86. Team USA is not 4-0 in World Cup regulations, with another interesting one against a good German team before Team USA Basketball flies to Manila to start the World Cup on Aug. 26.

Edwards scored all of his 21 points in the first three quarters and finished shooting 8 of 16 for the game, plus grabbed four rebounds.

Coach Steve Kerr stuck to his five bases of Edwards and Jalen Bronson (nine points and seven assists), Yaren Jackson Jr. (11 points), Michael Bridges (10 points) and Brandon Ingram (seven points).

However, what really sets Team USA apart is a bench that shows natural chemistry behind the pace and sharing the ball with Tyrese Halliburton making up Cameron Johnson (13 points), Austin Reeves (11 points) and Bobby Portis (10 points and seven rebounds).

The USA raced to a double-digit lead early in the first quarter and the game never felt in doubt after that. It was another dominant performance and a good sign for the Americans, who face Greece on August 28 in their World Cup group matches (Group C also features New Zealand and Jordan, and two teams from the group will advance to the knockout round, a single-elimination tournament).

This version of Team USA may lack the biggest names — blame the FIBA ​​for it, put the World Cup one year ahead of the Olympics, and players choose to prioritize the Paris Games — but it shows quick chemistry and on-court connection like never before. In the past two iterations of the top American team, even the team that won gold in Tokyo (but came together more slowly). Players like Ingram, Reaves, Johnson, and beyond have accepted roles different from what is required in the NBA and yet the team thrives. They also play fast and hard under Steve Kerr, with a few sets and many core principles that have helped the Warriors thrive.

However, Kerr is a coach out of the Gregg Popovich mold, so he’s never happy and has his insecurities.

“The concern is shifts and rebounds,” Kerr told the Associated Press. “If we stay even in the possession game, I feel pretty good about our chances against anybody. The way teams can beat us is if they get extra possessions and force a lot of turnovers and we’re not strong and we’re not boxing. I’ve told our guys that. I’ll tell you guys. It’s not really a secret. So, that’s our focus.”
The USA will play Germany in Abu Dhabi before traveling to Manila to start the World Cup where, despite Kerr’s concerns, the Americans are the heavy bet.

For now it looks like they should be.