Once again, Team USA starts slowly, facing a Montenegro looking to score near the circle and play on half court (7-2). Nikola Vucevic dominates from afar and under the circle, while Kendrick Perry takes the intervals (11-4). Anthony Edwards silent, it was Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart who put the United States back in the game (12-12). But Montenegro, through its collective, signs a 6-0 to create a new gap. A constant: Vucevic’s teammates are not looking for the 3-point shot. Unlike the United States, who come back to score with outside address (18-17), and who pass in front thanks to Tyrese Haliburton (19-18).
Montenegro lead at half-time
From the start of the 2nd quarter, Vladimir Mihailovic stopped the bleeding from 3-pointers (21-19). The energy of Bobby Portis boosts the United States, both on the rebound and by his runs, and the game becomes more unbridled. Which benefits the Americans with Haliburton distributing the caviar (31-25). Surprisingly, Nikola Vucevic remains on the bench. Same Perry. But it works since their teammates pick up the score (31-31) with a zone defense which forces the Americans to shoot from afar, but also to dribble a lot. Result, on a big pass from Marko Simonovic, the Montenegrins pass before halftime (39-38).
Edwards wakes up but the Vucevic-Simonovic duo continues their work (44-41). To regain control, Team USA relied on individual exploits with Edwards attacking the circle and Mikal Bridges crashing from afar (48-46). The match becomes tougher, and Perry keeps Montenegro in contact with a big 3-pointer (52-51). Whenever we think that the Americans can create a gap, Vucevic is there to maintain the suspense (56-54). Steve Kerr raises Tyrese Haliburton, and as in the 1st half, the leader of the Pacers changes the face of the Americans (61-55).
The Haliburton-Edwards duo make the difference
Vucevic and Perry on the bench, Montenegro cracks, and the Americans take three possessions ahead (64-57). It’s the first time in the game. But as in the 3rd quarter, Team USA did not manage to follow up, and Ivanovic brought the Montenegrins back into contact again (64-62). Moment chosen by Edwards to plant an important 3-pointer, then steal a ball from Vucevic under the circle (71-64). The Montenegrins waste too much ammunition (22 stray bullets), and the Americans, without being brilliant, take a 10-point lead (79-69). At the finish, Team USA won by 12 points (85-73). A gap in trompe-l’oeil as Vucevic’s teammates caused them problems. Next opponent for the United States: Lithuania, and it will be Sunday.
Stats and video summary to come
