We had already seen it in several Team USA friendly matches and it was again the case in this first match of the World Cup against New Zealand, the contribution of the American “second unit” is essential. With 54 points scored, the players on the bench managed to make people forget a complicated start and put their weight behind them throughout the match, which was finally won without shaking (99-72). This performance of the American bench was necessarily a satisfaction for the coach, Steve Kerr.
“That’s been the message since day one, it’s not the NBA, it’s FIBA, and we’re going to need our 12 players,” repeated the American coach. “Every night, a different player can stand out. Tonight, it’s Paolo, who was incredible off the bench. He made a few 3-point baskets, but he also brought physicality, counterattacks. The whole “second unit” played really well after our difficult start. From the beginning, in each game, the whole group, with Austin Reaves, Tyrese Haliburton and the others responded to the movement of the ball, the change of pace. It’s really great to see. »
The desire to play well together
Behind Paolo Banchero’s 21 points, we thus found Austin Reaves for the second best rating of the match (20). Author of 12 points at 4/6 in shooting including 2/2 at 3-points, 6 assists and 3 interceptions, the rear of the Lakers is very well entered into his competition. He also praised the good state of mind reigning within the bench of Team USA.
“I feel like that’s how we’ve been playing since the beginning. This “second unit” really likes to get on the field and run. It starts with defense. We have to have a lot of intensity on this side of the field. And once we have that, it makes the game easier, because we can play in transition. Really, playing with these guys made my life easier. You just have to play it right, because there are no egos”, explained the Californian.
Steve Kerr for his part refuted the fact that the youth of his group could constitute a handicap for the future. Youth brings its share of unknowns but also guarantees. And when it comes to experience, the Warriors coach is clearly not worried.
“I love watching these kids grow up. It’s not like they’ve never rubbed shoulders at the highest level.”he recalled. “This guy (Austin Reaves, sitting next to him) kicked our ass in the playoffs a few months ago. He may be young, Paolo and a few other guys too. But we have guys who can really play and who have proven it in the NBA and in the playoffs. They are fearless, and I love watching them play. It’s an absolute joy to coach them, because there is this fierce desire to play together, selflessly and to fight. And I have great confidence in them”.
The darling of the Filipino public
To top it off, Austin Reaves has also distinguished himself by the popularity rating he enjoys with the Filipino public, to the point of being the most acclaimed American player with each of his strokes of brilliance.
“I kinda felt it coming. I had talked to Phil Handy (Lakers assistant) who told me that people loved the Lakers here. It’s special for me. I come from a very small town and few people expected me to come to this, to represent our country. It means a lot to me to be accepted like this.”he pointed out. “That’s why we’ve been playing since childhood, to be able to reach this level. I was one of those kids who watched the World Cup, the Olympics, so every day I wake up and cherish those moments. »
We will now have to confirm after this good start, tomorrow against Greece (2:40 p.m.).
| Austin Reaves | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | ALL | 61 | 23 | 45.9 | 31.7 | 83.9 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 7.3 |
| 2022-23 | ALL | 64 | 29 | 52.9 | 39.8 | 86.4 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 13.0 |
| Total | 125 | 26 | 50.1 | 36.3 | 85.6 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 10.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
