The United States easily defeats Italy to advance to the semifinals of the Basketball World Cup.

The U.S. national team considered losing a game at the Basketball World Cup as a significant wake-up call. It prompted them to refocus, increase their level of dedication, and make promises to each other about making necessary changes.

Poor Italy.

The Americans turned words into actions and handed the Italians their worst loss in a global tournament – the World Cup or the Olympics – in nearly 45 years. Mikal Bridges scored 24 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 18 on six 3-pointers and the U.S. simply was airtight defensively on the way to a 100-63 win in the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night.

“It has been a five-week adventure for this team and there are only five days left. That is our perspective,” stated U.S. coach Steve Kerr. “We see ourselves as the horse heading back to the barn. The horse gains speed when it nears the barn, and that is exactly what is happening now. Our players are aware that this journey is coming to an end, and tonight their energy, pace, and determination have intensified. They are fully aware of what lies ahead and what our ultimate objective is.”

If the Americans win their semifinal match on Friday against either Germany or Latvia, they will have the opportunity to compete in the gold-medal game. The quarterfinal between Germany and Latvia will take place on Wednesday. The medal games are scheduled for Sunday.

Italy has not experienced such a significant loss in a tournament of this caliber since October 14, 1968, during the Mexico City Olympics. On that occasion, the United States defeated Italy with a score of 100 to 61. The Italian team’s shooting accuracy was only 31% throughout the game, and they managed to make just 7 out of 38 attempts (18%) from beyond the 3-point line.

The level of improvement from the U.S. is evident in the following: Lithuania successfully made all nine of their attempted 3-point shots, resulting in a remarkable victory over the Americans on Sunday. In contrast, Italy failed to make nine 3-point shots throughout the entire game on Tuesday.

“We immediately sensed that energy,” Bridges expressed. “Everyone experienced it.”

At halftime, the score was 46-24 in favor of the USA, and Austin Reaves added excitement with a powerful slam dunk that got his teammates cheering. Surprisingly, Anthony Edwards, who had been the team’s top scorer in the previous five games of the World Cup with an average of over 20 points, didn’t score until the first possession of the third quarter.

His heroics weren’t needed. Not much on the offensive end was. The defensive effort – which was shredded for 110 points in a six-point loss to Lithuania – sure seemed like the best of the summer from the Americans.

“I cannot reword.”

Reaves finished with 12 for the Americans, who improved to 10-1 overall this summer. Simone Fontecchio led Italy (4-2) with 18 points.

Italian forward Luigi Datome praised the team’s exceptional basketball skills, stating that they executed impressive shots with great precision.

In the quarterfinals of the World Cup four years ago in China, everything went downhill for the U.S. A defeat against France in the Round of 8 resulted in the elimination of the American team from medal contention. This loss marked the beginning of a downward spiral, ultimately leading to a disappointing seventh-place finish. It was the worst performance ever by a U.S. team in a major men’s international event.

That won’t happen this time. And now the formula is clear: lock in on defense, go-go-go on offense and dare opponents to win playing the Americans’ preferred way.

Reaves stated that whenever the team is able to generate a challenging shot, secure the rebound, and swiftly transition to offense, it significantly enhances their overall offensive performance.

Italy has only defeated the U.S. twice in 14 previous attempts at the senior men’s national level. These victories occurred during the world championships, now known as the World Cup. The first win took place in 1970, resulting in a fifth-place finish for the U.S. The second victory occurred in 1978 in Manila, contributing to the Americans’ fifth-place finish that year.

The Italians lingered for a brief period. The U.S. did not fall behind early, as they have in previous World Cups, but the score was only 10-8 when the Americans substituted their second team, which has been performing well throughout the summer.

And it was again. It was 24-14 after one, the lead was out to 22 by the half and the countdown to Friday was soon on.

“We were prepared,” Bridges stated. “And we will remain prepared until we depart from this place.”

TIP-INS

USA: The U.S. was 16.5-point favorites at game time, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. … Starting center Jaren Jackson Jr., who picked up two fouls in the first 2:50 of Sunday’s loss to Lithuania, got called for two in the first 2:14 on Tuesday. … NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein, a fixture courtside at big games in arenas all over the U.S., was in attendance.

Italy: Fontecchio (Utah) is the only current NBA player on Italy’s roster. Nicolo Melli and Datome have past NBA experience. … Guaranteed no worse than eighth place, this will be Italy‘s best World Cup showing since finishing sixth in 1998.

UP NEXT

USA: Face Germany or Latvia in semifinals Friday.

Italy will compete against either Germany or Latvia in the consolation playoffs on Thursday.