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

#3 Ugly in the bigger picture but a win anyway

Hard to put a tag on this one

In a game where the firm favorites have to rely on the nervy skillset of their underdog opponents in order to get away with a game, doesn't quite qualify as a convincing performance. Team USA did go up 2-0 in this tournament but everyone in the arena including their tougher opponents down the road could smell blood.

Jayson Tatum shot 3-of-11 from the field for a rather dull 11-point night, having injured his ankle in the process as well. None of what transpired against the Turks exudes positivity for the champs. They were sloppy and their opponents exposed them with every bucket they made at will.

USA is slated to clash with Japan in a couple of days and they might win it as well and advance to the next round as well. But that is not what they flew to China for. Anything that doesn't look like Gold would be a letdown. And with the way this squad has carried themselves in their most recent win doesn't reflect the composure that you expect from championship favorites.