Donovan Mitchell top scores as Team USA beat Czech Republic in FIBA World Cup opener
Sunday 1 September 2019 16:19, UK
Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 16 points as Team USA opened their defence of the FIBA World Cup with a dominant 88-67 victory over the Czech Republic in Group E.
Even though they were sluggish at times, the world's No 1-ranked team had too much firepower and eventually overwhelmed the Europeans after a tight start.
It was a balanced effort with Mitchell leading the way with 16 points, while Harrison Barnes (14) and Kemba Walker (13) were also solid contributors.
Chicago Bulls player Tomas Satoransky top-scored for the Czech Republic with 17 points.
USA struggled to score in the first six minutes of the third quarter and their lead was reduced to 11 points. But they shut the door on any hopes of a Czech upset with a 16-7 run fuelled by a pair of baskets from Marcus Smart.
Smart's new Boston Celtics' team-mate Kemba Walker had got the USA rolling early and made important buckets throughout the game.
The diminutive guard showcased some trademark tricks around the basket and did not miss from two-point land, finishing with 13 points, four assists and a steal.
The USA protected the ball far better than in the warm-up games, committing just seven turnovers.
The Americans will expect a tougher challenge in their next game. They face in-form Turkey on Tuesday.
The Czech Republic play a must-win game against Japan.
