Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton walks off the court of a Team USA game vs Slovenia on August 12, 2023. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Jonathan Castro, USA Basketball)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Team USA clinch berth in second round of FIBA Basketball World Cup
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton helped Team USA take down Greece on Monday morning, which was enough to secure the United States a trip to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Greece is the toughest opponent for the red, white, and blue in Group C, Team USA's slot for the opening round. But just like they did in exhibition play, the United States had little trouble with the Greeks. They went up by double digits in the second quarter and never looked back.
Haliburton, who is a part of the bench unit that has flummoxed opponents, finished with nine points, two rebounds, and three assists. Team USA outscored Greece by 19 with Haliburton on the court, tied for the highest of any individual.
"It's good, man," Pacers forward Jordan Nwora said of Haliburton's play for the national team so far. "I'm glad he's doing well, they're doing well. Hopefully, they can go out there and win this thing."
Haliburton's defense continues to be impressive. He is matching up well with opponents in the more physical style of play, and he routinely has had multiple steals or blocks in the competition. He blocked three shots against Greece.
Two days earlier, the Pacers All-Star helped guide the squad to a win over New Zealand. In that game, he had three steals to show for his defensive impact.
On offense, he continues to push the pace and get others involved. At halftime on Saturday, he had five points, two rebounds, and one assist. But the key part was that he was a +13 with Team USA only being up by nine points. His play was vital to the team's early lead.
They went on to win 99-72, and Haliburton had 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Those two wins put Team USA on top of their group with one more first-round game to play. Earlier in the day, New Zealand took down Jordan, and that means that Team USA has clinched a top-two seed in their group. As a result, they will move on to the second round of the tournament regardless of what happens in their final game.
They next play against Jordan on Wednesday, but win or lose they will advance. They will be in Group J in the second round. A win over Jordan, or a loss combined with a solid margin of victory, would be enough for Team USA to clinch the first seed in their group.
Haliburton has been a big part of the team's success so far and has received praise from head coach Steve Kerr. He will keep leading the second unit as Team USA looks to take home a gold medal. They are one step closer, and second round play begins later this week.
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