Heartland Italy made a surprising run, but four days ago their bid against the United States ended in a heavy quarterfinal loss. There was fear of a brutal night ahead, and the night delivered a nightmare. The American squad, guided by Steve Kerr, moved into the semifinals with no surprises or injuries weighing them down, claiming a commanding 63-100 victory and fueling hopes of reclaiming the world title by Sunday in Spain.
A defeat left Lithuania frustrated, pointing out the cost of a tough matchup with the American team in the second round. From the opening moments, the North American unit showed the depth of a squad loaded with young talent, notably their ability to shoot from beyond the arc, collecting 17 points from three-pointers with a 47% rate for the night.
Michal Bridges, keeping a strong pace from the Brooklyn network, led with 24 points and was central to a growing gap that weakened the Italian defense. The first quarter ended with a 14-24 difference, the halftime margin grew to 24 points, and by the end of the third quarter the deficit had reached 39 points. A thorough assessment followed.
Bridges stood not alone in making a statement about the tournament’s seriousness and the championship’s trajectory. Others stepped up like Reaves, Haliburton, or Banchero. Their performance suggested this could shape the future of the NBA. Outside shooting, physicality, quickness, defensive awareness, and athleticism were all on display, and whether that will be enough to capture the title remains to be seen.
Just Fontecchio
Italy showed more resilience than expected, signaling a return to competitiveness that had faded years earlier. Led by pushing attacks and talent, the Italian side tried to answer, but Utah Jazz guard Fontecchio found himself isolated at times. With veteran help from Nicolo Melli and Luigi Datome fading as they age, the 35-year-old veteran’s time in international play appears to be nearing its end after a storied NBA career and EuroLeague success, including a stint with Fenerbahce.
As the game wore on, the pace slowed and the match turned largely into an exhibition for the Americans, while the Italians fought to defend pride against a clearly superior foe who simply knew more about the opponent’s strengths. The championship picture that will emerge on Wednesday centers on Germany and Latvia, with the previously dominant sides France and Spain already exposed.
Italy: Spissu, Tonut, Melli, Fontecchio, Polonara – starting five – Ricci, Severini, Datome, Pajola, Diouf, Procida, Spanish
7 out of 38 triple attempts from Fontecchio, 33 rebounds, 9 turnovers (Polonara 5), 18 assists (Tonut 5).
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Brunson, Hart, Edwards, Bridges, Jackson – top five – Halliburton, Johnson, Ingram, Portis, Reaves, Banker, Kessler
17 out of 36 triples (Haliburton 6), 51 rebounds, 8 turnovers (Portis 7), 22 assists (Haliburton 5).
Scoring progression: 14-24; 10-22; 20-37; 19-17