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Extra efficient Bobby Portis Jr. helps Team USA beat Thanasis Antetokounmo and Greece

Bobby Portis Jr. outplays Milwaukee Bucks teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo in Team USA’s win over Greece.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

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Bobby Portis Jr. was extra efficient when Team USA routed Greece, 109-81, in their Group C duel of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Monday night (Philippine time) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.

Portis had a better output than Thanasis Antetokounmpo as the two Milwaukee Bucks teammates faced off in a crucial game for their respective teams.

Making every minute count

In another reserve role, Portis went 4-of-4 from the field to finish with 10 points on top of four rebounds and one steal. Bobby needed only 13 minutes to gather those points as he provided the Americans an extra lift in their second straight win in the tournament.

Portis only played for eight minutes and only scored four points when Team USA defeated New Zealand, 99-72, last Saturday night. Portis logged the least minutes among the four double-digit scorers for Team USA. Austin Reaves topped the Americans with 15 points in 17 minutes of play.

Anthony Edwards finished with 13 points but needed 20 minutes to get there, while Jalen Brunson played for 19 minutes and tallied 13 points.

Thanasis’ highlight reel

On the other hand, Thanasis could only score two points in 22 minutes of play, but Antetokounmpo delivered his lone basket in style.

With the US ahead, 101-73, with 3:16 left, Thanasis picked up a loose ball in the paint. He then posted up Walker Kessler and spun to his right before completing an emphatic right-handed dunk.

The play happened in front of Portis, who tried to block the ball just as Thanasis elevated but to no avail.

The play was the lone bright spot for Thanasis’ night as the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Greek national team lost after starting the tournament with a 92-71 win over Jordan.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.