FIBA World Cup 2019: 3 Talking Points from USA vs Turkey

#2 Turkey were uncharacteristically efficient from the field and gave the favorites a run for their money

Ilyasova missed the game-winning three to top off a decent shooting night

After leading 41-26 early in the 2nd quarter, Team USA succumbed to a blazing 12-0 run by the Turkish side who then played bucket-for-bucket throughout the rest of the game.

Led by Ersan Ilyasova - who dropped a game-high scoring total of 23 points on 47% shooting - Turkey were far more efficient in their shot selection. His teammate Mehli Mahmutoglu, contributed a crucial 18 points as well on an impressive 8-of-13 shooting from the field. The unlikely hero for Turkey emerged in the form of Scott Wilbekin who stepped up to drain three of his four long-range attempts for 12 points of his own.

On the other hand, the Americans couldn't find the bottom even on uncontested shots and as a unit, ended up with a rather uneventful 27-of-77 shooting night from the floor. While Khris Middleton held fort for his team with a solid 15 points on 55% shooting, Mitchell and Walker could only manage a combined 8-of-26 conversion from the floor.