The recent performance of Team USA in Manila has been under scrutiny as they prepare for upcoming games. Let’s take a closer look at the individual performances of some players and evaluate the overall performance of the team.
Paolo Banchero has been working tirelessly to improve his shooting skills. During his time with Team USA, he has been putting in extra work with Chip Engelland, the team’s shooting coach. Banchero’s dedication paid off when he made two successful 3-pointers in a recent game against New Zealand. Additionally, he displayed an impressive 21-point performance off the bench. However, his struggles from the free-throw line have been noticeable, with only a 2-of-10 success rate in warm-up games. These improvements in Banchero’s game have earned him the trust of Coach Steve Kerr, resulting in increased playing time and a more significant role within the team.
Brandon Ingram had hoped to fill the role of a scoring specialist, following in the footsteps of Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. However, he has encountered difficulties during his time with Team USA. Ingram’s scoring average of 7.8 points and a field goal percentage of 42% in warm-up games do not reflect his capabilities. Against New Zealand, Ingram’s timing appeared off, and he struggled with passing and defensive effectiveness. One factor contributing to his struggles is his adjustment to having less ball-handling responsibility compared to his usual role with the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram has been studying game tapes of Anthony and Durant to learn from their experiences, but he has yet to find his comfort zone within the team. Coach Kerr has been reducing Ingram’s minutes, indicating his growing concerns about the player’s performance.
Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves have emerged as a potential power duo on Team USA. Their chemistry on the court has been evident, mirroring the success of longstanding pairings in events like the Ryder Cup. Both players showcase excellent ball movement, strong defensive abilities, and intelligent decision-making. Reaves, with a plus-34 rating in the past two games, demonstrates his impact on the team, especially when paired with Haliburton, who himself boasts a plus-18 rating. Haliburton’s shooting accuracy and well-rounded game have been impressive, going 11-of-16 in the last three games while adding 10 rebounds and six steals. Reaves has also been outstanding, shooting 12-of-19 with five steals. Despite the solid performances of starting guards Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards, Reaves and Haliburton have been making a strong case for increased playing time and a more significant role within the team.
As Team USA continues their preparations for future games, it is clear that individual performances vary among the players. While Paolo Banchero has shown notable improvements in shooting and has gained the trust of Coach Steve Kerr, Brandon Ingram has struggled to find his place within the team’s dynamics. On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves have emerged as a potential powerhouse duo, showcasing their chemistry and impacting the team’s success. Ultimately, these performances, both promising and concerning, will shape Team USA’s strategies moving forward.
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