For his debut on the Team USA bench, Stephen Silas had a successful first time. Robert Covington, David Stockton and company started strong with a 10-2 run to start the game. However, after a reaction from their opponent, they took a few minutes to get the better of Puerto Rico, winning the first quarter by only four points (22-18).
Just before the break, the troops of the former Rockets coach gave themselves some breathing room (46-35) but without having given up. This will be done as soon as we return from the locker room, with a 10-0. Team USA deprives Puerto Rico of points for almost five minutes. The winning baskets follow one another (17/37 in total) and the gap is made before the last act (78-49).
The last quarter is therefore of no interest for suspense, with a large American victory (108-66). Robert Covington scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, while Javonte Smart finished as his team's top scorer, with 20 units. David Stockton distributed 10 assists, and Frank Kaminsky added 10 points.
With this success, Team USA takes first place in Group D (2 victories in 3 matches), before facing the Bahamas on Monday evening, in these qualifiers for the AmeriCup, contested in the summer of 2025.
