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Bobby Portis Jr. scores 11 as Team USA routs Puerto Rico in build-up for the 2023 FIBA World Cup

How did Bobby do in his Team USA debut?

Jonas Panerio

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

The latest iteration of Team USA had a rousing debut as they demolished Puerto Rico, 117-74, in an exhibition game in Las Vegas. The match was part of Team USA’s buildup for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, Philippines. While the likes of Anthony Edwards, Cam Johnson, and Mikal Bridges led the team in scoring, Milwaukee Bucks ace Bobby Portis put forth a solid outing with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting to go with three rebounds and an assist.

Great night for Team USA

Much like his role with the Bucks, Portis came in to give starting center Jaren Jackson Jr. —who was in foul trouble—a breather. He didn’t take long to put up points as he scored on a beautiful fadeaway jumper and a tip-in. After the game, head coach Steve Kerr said the players are slowly embracing what their game plan is on both ends of the floor.

"It's a great night for us," Kerr said. "I think the guys have really picked up what we're trying to install at both ends, and we're slowly but surely getting used to the FIBA rules and interpretations -- coaches included. It's all part of the process of getting accustomed to what we're gonna be facing."

First of five exhibition games

Team USA still has a long way to go before it can attain peak form in time for the World Cup. While they dominated Puerto Rico, especially in the second half, their next test may be a bit tougher as they take on Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic and the rest of Slovenia in Malaga, Spain. They will also take on Spain before battling Greece and Germany in exhibition games in Abu Dhabi.

The Americans are eager to reclaim lost glory after finishing in seventh—the worst finish for any U.S. men’s basketball team in a major competition—in the last World Cup that was held in 2019 in China.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO