When Paolo Banchero arrived in Manila for the Team USA games, he immediately demonstrated his dedication to improving his shooting skills. Clutching a FIBA basketball, he made it clear that he was determined to master the softer and bouncier ball that often frustrates NBA players. Banchero’s extra shooting work with Chip Engelland, Team USA’s shooting coach, and the Oklahoma City Thunder assistant has paid off to some extent. Making his first two 3-pointers against New Zealand was a promising achievement for the Orlando Magic star. However, his performance at the free-throw line continues to be a cause for concern. In the warmup games, Banchero struggled, making only 2-of-10 free throws. Though he managed to improve during the recent match, sinking 3-of-5 free throws, there is still room for improvement in this aspect of his game.
Brandon Ingram’s Struggles in Team USA
Brandon Ingram, known for his scoring prowess and big-game experience, hasn’t lived up to expectations during his time with Team USA. Taking on a role similar to that of Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant as a stretch 4, Ingram has found it challenging to adapt. In the warmup games, he averaged a mere 7.8 points, shooting a disappointing 42%. Against New Zealand, his performance was lackluster, going 1-of-4 and appearing out of sync on the court. Timing issues, misjudged opportunities, and defensive inefficiency have plagued Ingram throughout the tournament. Adjusting to a reduced role, where he no longer has full control of the offense, has proven difficult for him. Despite studying game tape of Anthony and Durant for guidance, Ingram seems uncomfortable in his current position. It remains to be seen whether he can turn his performance around, but it’s understandable that Coach Steve Kerr has reduced his minutes in light of his struggles.
The Promising Chemistry of Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves
The dynamic duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves has brought a new energy to Team USA’s lineup. These two players have showcased their ability to move the ball effectively, play tenacious defense, and make smart decisions on the court. Reaves, with an impressive plus-34 rating in the past two games, has proven his value to the team. Haliburton has also excelled, shooting 11-of-16 and recording 10 rebounds and six steals in his last three games. Their synergy and contributions to Team USA’s success have not gone unnoticed. While starting guards Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards have performed admirably, it’s clear that Reaves and Haliburton are making a case for increased playing time and more opportunities to shine.
Team USA’s performance in Manila has been a mixture of highs and lows. Paolo Banchero’s dedication to improving his shooting skills is commendable, but his struggles at the free-throw line continue to be a concern. Brandon Ingram, despite his scoring prowess, has struggled to adapt to a reduced role within the team’s offense. On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves have brought a new level of chemistry to the team and have proven their value through their smart and impactful play. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how these individual performances contribute to Team USA’s overall success.
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