Team USA brushes aside Italy with a 37-point victory in the 2023 FIBA World Cup to march into the semifinals. It was a match where the spotlight shifted from Anthony Edwards to his other teammates.
The Minnesota Timberwolves star played in such a way that the focus was on his teammates. Edwards finished the game with three points, three rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes. He also registered a single block.
Mikal Bridges was USA’s top scorer with 24 points and after the game, he gave credit to Edwards for his unselfish game on the night against Italy. Bridges highlighted how it is easy for Edwards to score 30 points but he understood that he needs to find other guys as well in the game.
“Earlier, I gave Ant a big shoutout,” said Bridges post-game. “Ant can get 30 whenever he wants. You know, like easily, Just to him to be unselfish and you know we talk to him and try to help him out just to find guys and that’s what we did and he’s probably the happiest dude in the locker room right now.”
Bridges shared that it does not come naturally to Edwards to be that much unselfish but he is doing it for the benefit of the team and it has made everyone very happy in the dressing room. “Shout out to Ant for that and he knows how dominant he is and confident. Just to find guys and I think we kind off fed from that, you know, once we saw Ant doing that and how happy he was and everybody had that kind of joy as well,” added Bridges.
Team USA will play the winner of Latvia and Germany in the semi-finals of the FIBA World Cup. After their daunting win over Italy, they will be confident of going all the way. It has been a smooth ride to the semis for the team other than the hiccup against Lithuania.
Kevin Durant has a FIBA World Cup record of leading USA with 38 points in a win over Lithuania back in 2010. Edwards also came close by scoring 35 points but unfortunately, his team suffered a defeat against Lithuania. The Lithuania team is led by New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas.
“On beating KD’s record? He is probably one of the greatest players. That’s going to be tough but I’mma try. For sure. I’m going to try,” said Edwards after Team USA’s victory over Montenegro.
While there is no doubt that Edwards is a fine basketball player and a sensational talent, it is also clear now that he is a team guy. The youngster is always thinking about his team and searching for ways to win matches, which is a great trait in itself.
