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Bobby Portis Jr. cleans the glass as Team USA knocks off Germany in the final tuneup game before FIBA World Cup

Bobby didn’t get much burn but still made the most out of his minutes.

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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The United States men’s national basketball team completed a perfect sweep of their tuneup games for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, Philippines, as they rallied to defeat Germany, 99-91, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. played the least amount of minutes for Team USA with just eight but made the most out of every opportunity, compiling five rebounds and two points. However, the unquestioned star of the night was Minnesota Timberwolves ace Anthony Edwards, who exploded for 34 points.

Incredible rally

Things looked bleak in the third period as Team USA fell behind by 16, but Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton sparked the rally by scoring 11 straight in a three-minute span to bring the team to within three heading to the fourth. An 18-0 run late in the game — which included a triple by Brooklyn Nets stud Mikal Bridges that put Team USA in front for good and an emphatic slam by Los Angeles Laker Austin Reaves — was the final nail in Germany’s coffin.

Rising star

Ant grabbed the spotlight in this game as he went 11-of-21 from the field, including a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. His performance overcame the listless efforts of Team USA’s other starters, which combined for just 25.

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that the young Timberwolf just may be the team’s ace right now.

“He’s unquestionably the guy. He knows it. Now the rest of the team knows it,” Kerr said.

The team now flies to Manila to prepare for the games that matter. The team will face off against New Zealand, Greece, and Jordan in the group stage, which begins on Saturday.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO