There has been much made of the fact that this year's Team USA squad is considered one of the weakest of all time but even so, the Americans are still far and away the favorites to win the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Czech Republic was the first team to face off with Team USA in real World Cup action and despite the final score showing them losing by 21 points, the Czechs put up quite a fight in Sunday's game, led by new Bulls point guard Tomas Satoransky.
Satoransky was great on Sunday, playing a complete game from the floor. He racked up 17 points, five assists, two rebounds and committed four turnovers.
Satoranksy was the star on the day for the Czech Republic and he showed no fear playing against many of his NBA peers. He drove hard to the basket often and though he only finished with two free throws, he made a number of highlight plays at the rim.
The 28 minutes Satoransky played were the most of any player on the Czech Republic. He led his squad in points and assists and generally took on the responsibility of trying to get things going for the Czech offense, including attacking USA guard Kemba Walker below the free-throw line.
"Meanwhile the Czechs' game plan was to attack the smaller Walker with their best player, Tomas Satoransky, who has roughly six inches on him. Time after time, Satoransky went to the post to try to push around Walker."
NBA
Despite Satoransky's great game, Team USA took out the Czech Republic 88-67, led by 16 points from Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell.
Satoransky and the Czech Republic are back in action on September 3 vs Japan, while Team USA plays Turkey on Tuesday at 7:30 am CT.
