Team USA basketball has always performed well on the international stage. Even though there were some hiccups over the years, the team is always expected to win it all. The same applies to the current team as well. Sitting atop the power rankings, they are favorites to win the 2023 FIBA World Cup led by young stars like Anthony Edwards, Brandon Ingram, Jalen Brunson, and so forth. However, it is already clear that rankings don’t mean much in the tournament. With that being said, will Team USA allow Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Jordan to dictate the game?

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been on a tear for his national team in the tournament so far. The former Brooklyn Nets star is currently second in the scoring charts with 63 points in two games. Behind only NBA superstar Luka Doncic with 71 points as per FIBA.

Anthony Edwards leads the team to the next round

Team USA has won both their games in the World Cup comfortably despite some initial doubt. They won the opening game against New Zealand 99-72 behind Paolo Banchero’s impressive 21-point game off the bench. No other player scored more than 15 from both teams. However, it was a pure team performance as five other players scored in double digits.

In their second game, they defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo less Greece 81-109. It was again an impressive all-around performance from the USA. Anthony Edwards has a total of 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in 2 games according to FIBA. While it doesn’t look flattering, he did not need to go all out given the support he receives from other stars in the roster.

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With the two wins, the team’s qualification for the next round is all but confirmed. So it will be interesting to see how head coach Erik Spoelstra will approach the game against Jordan. Spoelstra could give the starters some rest ahead of the next round. However, this could come at the cost of the momentum the team has created in the first two games. Especially against a side like Jordan.

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Even though Jordan has lost both games of the tournament so far, they never gave up. Notably, the spirited performances of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson have been a major fuel to his team.

Can Team USA stop Rondae Hollis-Jefferson?

In the game against New Zealand, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made an incredible 4-point play to tie the game in the dying minutes. This was the first game in the current tournament to go over time. However, Jordan lost the game 95-87 in the end. But the forward’s fearless display received a lot of plaudits. Furthermore, his playing style drew comparisons to NBA legend Kobe Bryant as well.

After the game, he addressed the comparisons with the Los Angeles Lakers legend. “It’s an honor…There was only one Kobe but to feel that love and that energy… Coming down the stretch and hitting those big shots. God was with me and Kobe was with me,” he said.

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Even though a win against the USA won’t help Jordan stay in the tournament, Hollis-Jefferson won’t be slacking and will be ready to pounce at the first mistake his opponents make. However, the USA is still expected to win the game comfortably even if they rotate.