The USA team’s FIBA World Cup campaign is up and running again. After a six-point loss against Lithuania despite a strong Anthony Edwards performance, the squad rolled out an emphatic 100-63 win against Italy. This has been perhaps the most electric win, considering it helped them qualify for the Semis. They are just a step away from the Finals. The team has at least made sure they didn’t crash out in the Quarter-Finals as they did in the 2019 WC. But will they get past the Semis, unlike the 2006 WC? A significant player during the 2006 campaign will cheer them, hoping for glory.

Team USA looking to bury the ghost of 2006

During their 2006 campaign, Team USA stormed their way through Group Stages. They won all of their five games by double-digits and looked a class apart. In the Quarter-Finals, they had no problem winning against Germany, completing an 85-65 triumph. At that point, a title finish looked imminent, overcoming the ghost of the 2004 Olympics where the team finished third and earned a bronze medal. But it wasn’t to be. In the Semis, Greece’s offense overwhelmed them and knocked out USA 101:95. Sharpshooter Vassilis Spanoulis led the way with 22 points while wing Theo Papaloukas had 12 assists. 

For the USA, it was Carmelo Anthony who turned up the heat. He led the way with 27 points. He was the leading scorer for the team in the tournament, finishing close to 20 points per game. Therefore, he did all in his power to get his team the World Cup. These returns embody the high-scoring nature of the Wing since his early days. Now, the ten-time All-Star is going to travel more than 8,000 miles from the USA to the Philippines for Manila to cheer on his squad.

He will watch USA’s scoring leader Anthony Edwards trying to grab the championship.

Will Anthony Edwards get enough help again?

Edwards finally cooled down in the last game. After averaging over 20 in the first five games, including a 35-point outburst in the loss against Lithuania, he only managed three points. This implies he had some great help in the win against Italy. Team USA’s defense was light-years ahead compared to the Lithuania loss. Mikal Bridges dipped in 24 points while Tyrese Haliburton had 18. 

READ MORE: “Greatest Italy Team” Go Down Like a Sinking Ship as Mikal Bridges’ Masterclass Wrecks FIBA Dreams

The depth was in full display while the team did well to prevent easy offensive rebounds, unlike their last outing. Did the Lithuanian loss wake up this USA team to uncover their huge potential? Will the USA manage another huge win and put one hand on the trophy? Do share in the comments below.

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