Italy has been one of the biggest underdogs of the FIBA World Cup 2023. They defied a lot of odds and reached the Quarter Finals where they met traditional heavyweights, the United States of America. Although this Italian team has been popularly touted as the ‘Greatest Italy Team’ ever, their journey came crashing down due to one man. It is Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Brides.

Although his contribution largely went unnoticed during the length of the first round, Bridges came to life in the Quarter Finals. He single-handedly led his team to a victory.

Team USA and Mikal Bridges bulldoze past Italy

The United States of America suffered a nasty defeat at the hands of Lithuania during the second round. They looked to bounce back, and they did it in style. The USA dominated Italy from the get-go in their Quarter Finals matchup. They took a 24-14 lead in the 1st quarter and there was no looking back. Bridges had the game of his life in a United States of America jersey. The 27-year-old scored 24 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds and helped the USA advance to the Semi-Finals. Italy suffered a 63-100 blowout loss at the hands of the traditional heavyweights.

Apart from Bridges, All-Star Tyrese Haliburton had a great game coming off the bench. He recorded 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Moreover, Los Angeles Lakers youngster Austin Reaves also had 12 points off the bench.

The USA awaits their semi-final opponents

The Team USA boys have done a great job and have one foot in the FIBA World Cup 2023 finals. After dispatching the Italians, they will either face Germany or Latvia in the Semi-Finals.

The Germans, led by former Laker Dennis Schroder, have been in great form. They had a convincing win against Slovenia and Luka Doncic in the second round. It will be a tricky affair if Team USA ends up facing Germany. Nevertheless, the squad has enough quality and depth to get past any opposition in the world.

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What are your predictions for the FIBA World Cup? Let us know in the comments below.

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