USA back to their best after dismantling Japan

SHANGHAI (China) - Defending champion USA rediscovered their best with a 98-45 thrashing of winless Japan to close out Group E action at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. 

After surviving a major scare against Turkey two days ago, the USA started fast and cruised to their third straight victory highlighted by numerous spectacular dunks. 

Playing without injured Boston Celtics players Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, the USA still had too much firepower with all 10 players hitting the scoreboard. Jaylen Brown had 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Kemba Walker (15 points and 8 assists) and Harrison Barnes (14 points and 8 rebounds) also starred.

Yudai Baba (18 points) was the only Japan player to hit double figures. 

Turning Point: USA came out sharp and scored the first 13 points of the game, while Japan didn't score until nearly the middle of the first quarter. They had no chance from there. 

TCL Player of the Game: It could have been any number of USA players, but Jaylen Brown wins out after an eye-catching performance. His athleticism was too much for Japan as he continually went to the rim and also nailed a couple of threes. 

Stats Don't Lie: The USA's most impressive aspect was perhaps their smothering defense, which limited Japan to a woeful 27% shooting from the floor. No.9 NBA draft pick Rui Hachimura struggled with just 4 points on 2-of-8 shooting but did have one spectacular play - a thunderous one-handed dunk over Myles Turner in the third quarter. 

Bottom Line: USA will face Group F winners Brazil and Greece in the Second Round, while Japan will play in the classification games. 

They Said: "The Dream Team didn't give us an option in the game from the first quarter. Their defense was very good and frustrated our offense. We lost our confidence for the rest of the game. We know we competed in a very good group with two European teams and the U.S. We go now to Dongguan and wish to play better and win the next game. Nine European teams go to the next city, six Americas teams and Australia. Asia is one level and the world is another level. We need to improve." - Japan head coach Julio Lamas

"I've got no excuse. This is where we are right now. We've just got to keep our heads up and bounce back next game." - Japan forward Yuta Watanabe

"I think we're getting better with each outing. That's our goal. We haven't been together very long, and I think our players are enjoying playing together and understanding the consistency that is necessary to do what we have to do as a team to be successful. They were very serious tonight, and they respected the Japanese team very much. They didn't take anything for granted and they played hard. I was pleased with their performance." - USA head coach Gregg Popovich

"I think we've got a lot of room for improvement. Of course, we are looking forward to the next matchup. I think we are focused on us and getting better and representing our country the right way." - USA forward Jaylen Brown

FIBA