By Randy Calaug
Just like in its first three games, Team USA started slow, but this time, things were scarier for the most part of the game, before putting away Montenegro, 85-73, for a fourth straight win in the FIBA World Cup 2023 on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
But for USA coach Steve Kerr, a tightly fought game like this is what he needed to make his team better.
“This is the game like this that makes our team better, rather than a 40-point victory,” said Kerr. “You have to go through an experience where it’s a tight game and every possession matters, and that’s where you improve.”
The match was still anybody’s ball game in the final minutes, where Montenegro was just six points adrift, 72-66.
Anthony Edwards gave USA breathing room at 81-73 and Jaren Jackson had to put in a pair of charities to ensure victory for the Americans, 83-73, with 31 seconds left.
Montenegro coach Bosko Radovic said they played better against the US than when they lost by 20 points to Lithuania.
“We played tonight, maybe one of the best games ever, but we played probably against the best team it the tournament,” he said.
Taller and more organized as a cohesive unit, Montenegro opened the game with an 11-4 lead following a basket by Kendrick Perry and was within striking distance of the USA for the most part, thanks to Chicago Bulls star center Nikola Vucevic, who scattered 18 points and 15 rebounds in the game.
Team USA leaned on Edwards, who poured all of his team-high 17 points in the second half and overcame Montenegro’s bigs with their sheer talent.
“I love the way our guys finished the game, “added Kerr.
Team USA put itself in a better position to advance to the quarterfinals and will make it a perfect 5-0 if they also beat Lithuania on Sunday.