Reaves leads way as U.S. wins World Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines — As Team USA has gone around the planet over the last month it has become clear that Austin Reaves, riding his Los Angeles Lakers popularity, is adored as he’s cheered from the moment he steps on every court.

But his turn on this roster has also been a celebration of his emerging stardom for his play. He took another step in that direction Saturday night as he was a driving force in Team USA’s 99-72 win over New Zealand to open the FIBA World Cup.

Reaves’ all-around production, spirit and poise were a difference maker as he and some fellow bench players pulled the Americans out of an early malaise in a game that will have to be a building block if the team wants to keep its favorite status.

He finished with 12 points, six assists and three steals but those numbers don’t quite portray his impact. This one, however, does: +19. That was his plus/minus as his effect on the flow of the game was profound.

The sellout crowd at Mall of Asia Arena delighted in it, exploding with glee when he made his “ice in my veins” pose after a 3-pointer.

Bench teammates Tyrese Haliburton and Paolo Banchero deserve special praise as well. Haliburton was a +13 with 10 points and Banchero, who made his first six shots and finished with 21 points, was +22. Both saved an unimpressive collective showing by the Team USA starters.

Team USA’s pregame routine was totally out of sync. They came out on the floor to warm up and instead of getting into a routine they had to watch a pregame dance ceremony, pose for a team photo and then respectfully watch as New Zealand’s players performed their traditional haka dance.

The Americans had been briefed all this would be happening as part of the first-game formalities but it wasn’t clear whether they knew it would come out of their warmup clock time as it, in fact, did.

Then something unplanned happened. An imposter, dressed in what seemed like a replica New Zealand black-and-white uniform, gained access to the floor. It was a social media influencer known for pulling pranks that slipped past security before being taken off the court.

New Zealand was out on the floor long before the U.S. and it showed. Getting only a fraction of their time, the Americans started on their heels. The Kiwis jumped out to a 10-point first quarter lead as the U.S. had five misses and four turnovers in their first 11 possessions.

Anthony Edwards, who was dominant in the pre-World Cup warmup games, was shaky as he committed four first half turnovers. Twice he simply dribbled off his foot, illustrating how out of sorts he was.

But Edwards wasn’t alone, most of the Team USA starters that had exceled over the last three weeks were bothered by the more aggressive New Zealand team. The All Blacks, as they are known, used the standard FIBA style against favorites by expending huge energy on defensive pressure and trying to throw themselves in front of every American dribbler trying to draw charges.

New Zealand fouled a lot, made frequent subs and fired up 3-pointers, which has been their style for some time. Within a few minutes, coach Steve Kerr had pulled all of the American starters with the exception of Mikal Bridges as he searched for someone who had some poise.

That’s when Reaves and Haliburton entered the scene. Just like a week ago when their playmaking and energy were the catalyst in a 16-point comeback against Germany in what proved to be a telling friendly, they powered the turnaround in the game.

Reaves does something so valuable in FIBA play, which is play effective defense without fouling. This is always an attractive trait in basketball of course, but with FIBA referees and five fouls for disqualification it is magnified. Meanwhile, as he showed during his breakout season with the Lakers, he is also an expert at foul drawing and that combo is golden in the World Cup setting.

He also plays a blend of creating shots while also looking for his own that belies his relative lack of experience. He plays under control despite being under pressure. That is how he played Saturday night, swinging the game with his game. He had 10 points, five assists and a steal in the first half.

Edwards regained some of his footing as the game wore on and was able to use his power to get to the foul line as he assembled 14 points. Center Jaren Jackson Jr. had a good second half and finished with 12 points.

But the U.S. will need more steady play from its front line starting Monday against Greece.

New Zealand was led by 15 points from Reuben Te Rangi.