Bobby Portis Jr. helps Team USA beat Slovenia and Spain
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. had another efficient outing when Team USA routed Slovenia, 92-62, in their exhibition game in Malaga, Spain.
The workhorse Portis tallied eight points, five rebounds, and a steal as Team USA remain unbeaten after three exhibition games.
The Steve Kerr-coached Team USA is scheduled to play four more tune-up games as part of its buildup for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, Philippines.
Balanced attack
The Americans started their series of exhibition games with a 117-74 annihilation of Puerto Rico, with the 6-foot-11 Portis playing a key role in the win by contributing 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting, three rebounds, and an assist.
Against Slovenia, all 12 US players scored, with Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Paolo Banchero, Portis, and Brandon Ingram combining for 40 points. Slovenia was undermanned against Team USA as it opted to rest its main man Luka Doncic.
World Cup preparations continue
After Slovenia, Team USA played a close game versus Spain and took a quality 98-88 win, as they are set to fly to the United Arab Emirates for a series of friendly games in Abu Dhabi. Portis contributed two points and three rebounds in the win versus the Spaniards.
The Americans will play Greece on August 18th and Germany on August 20th. The UAE sojourn will be Team USA’s final stage of its World Cup preparation as it will proceed to Manila, Philippines.
The U.S. is bracketed in Group C, together with Greece, New Zealand, and Jordan. The young American roster will start their campaign against New Zealand on August 26th, Greece on August 28th, and Jordan on August 30th.