The FIBA World Cup-bound Team USA has shut down the noise surrounding their roster after going 4-0 in the tournament’s tune-ups. The Anthony Edwards-led USA side breezed past Greece on Friday for a comfortable 108-86 victory. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently shared the news of their glory on his Instagram stories, seven days after resharing a hot take on the current USA squad.
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About a week ago, Shaq shared Gilbert Arenas’ comment on the lackluster appearance of the Team USA starting five. In his remark, Arenas had underlined the lack of any superstars in the team, with only young, hungry players showing up to work. The three-time NBA All-Star had called out the NBA’s best players’ unwillingness to play for the National Team, “You see the list they got? Sorry, a** group.”
Shaquille O’Neal celebrates Team USA’s success in the World Cup tune-ups
As if to counter Arenas’ take, Shaquille O’Neal shared a post on his Instagram showing USA’s dominance in the practice games leading up to the World Cup. “Team USA has gone 4-0 with this starting lineup,” the caption of the post by NBA on ESPN read, which Shaq shared on his IG. The post featured the starting five of Team USA, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Ingram.
On Friday’s win against Greece, the USA side played a dominant game maintaining a healthy lead throughout the contest. Anthony Edwards lead the American side’s scoring with 21 points, followed by Cam Johnson’s 13 points and Austin Reaves and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 11 points apiece. Mikal Bridges and Bobby Portis finished in double digits as well.
Even though the two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play for Greece’s team, the win should calm the nerves of USA fans. The team has won the first four of this five-game exhibition series, comfortably defeating Puerto Rico, Spain and a Luka Doncic-less Slovenian side in previous editions.
What’s next for Team USA?
The USABMNT will play Germany next to complete their series of tune-ups. They will leave for the Philippines next week for the World Cup.
US coach Steve Kerr felt good about their chances after the recent win, “The concern is turnovers and rebounds…If we stay even on the possession game, I feel great about our chances against anybody.” With all the noise surrounding the absence of blockbuster stars, Team USA would be looking to extend their dominance in the World Cup to shut down the detractors once and for all.
