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In a highly-anticipated match-up in Round 2 of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Team USA took care of business and strolled past Greece with a convincing 69-53 victory.
However, despite the win, this version of Team USA still wound up on the wrong side history. Per ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter, their 69 points on Saturday are now the team's lowest scoring output in a FIBA World Cup game since 1998.
Likewise, it's the fewest points that Team USA has scored in a victory since NBA players started participating in the World Cup in 1994.
Despite the win, Team USA's 69 points today are the team's fewest in a FIBA World Cup game since 1998.
It's their fewest in a FIBA World Cup victory since NBA players began participating in the FIBA World Cup in 1994. pic.twitter.com/8ZCT3IeQwc
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 7, 2019
It doesn't help that this particular squad don't have as star-studded a cast as the previous iterations of Team USA has had.
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Nevertheless, a win is a win. Despite the low score, they still impressively held the Greeks to just 53 points.
Prior to the tournament, head coach Gregg Popovich went on record saying that their defense will be key. So far, they've shown that they are capable of doing just that. They've held their last two opponents, including Greece, to just 49 points on average. Counting out their 93-92 squeak-by over Turkey, they are holding their opponents to an average of 55 points.
Needless to say, Team USA needs work on their offense. It's an understatement to say that it's still a work in progress as they've already played four games. Likewise, other teams, especially Serbia – who is looking absolutely impressive and hitting from all cylinders right now – have found their stride offensively.
As good as their defense is, their offense needs to catch-up if they want to ultimately keep their place atop the world stage.
