USA vs GREECE / FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

Another game, another emphatic victory for Team USA to open the 2023 FIBA World Cup. After decimating New Zealand on Saturday in their opener, the Americans continued their dominant start to the tournament with an even more convincing 109-81 victory over Greece on Monday. In the process, they clinched Group C and have advanced to the second group phase of the tournament.

Unlike Saturday's win over New Zealand in which Paolo Banchero scored 25 points, no single player dominated this one for the Americans. Austin Reaves led the way with 15 points, but all 12 players on the roster scored at least four. The win was ultimately the result of strong team play and a great shooting day from both 3-point range (9-of-22) and, more importantly, the foul line (30-of-34).Throw in a 40-25 domination on the glass and Team USA controlled just about every aspect of this game.

Greece was severely undermanned for this one, with just one NBA player, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, on its roster. His more famous brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo, may have played in this tournament if not for knee surgery. Instead, he sat out, and Greece posed no major threat to Team USA.

The Americans will now close group play on Wednesday against Jordan. Greece, meanwhile, will play New Zealand on Wednesday, and after they snuck out an overtime win over Jordan on Monday, that game will determine second place in Group C. As the top two teams advance to the second group phase, that game will be meaningful as the rest of the tournament shakes out.

The top two teams in Group C will join the top two teams from Group D (Lithuania and Montenegro) in the second group phase, with the top two teams out of those four advancing to the knockout stage. If Team USA keeps playing like this, the group should have no trouble making it that far. Here are the biggest takeaways from Team USA's victory.