Workforce USA mark their UAE debut with a landmark win towards Greece

Within the first recreation of the night time, Mexico triumphed 88 – 70 over Lebanon with Joshua Ibarra main Mexico with a team-high 20 factors. Lebanon and Mexico be a part of Egypt, Germany, Greece and the US in Worldwide Basketball Week, a sequence of exhibition video games forward of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which can happen within the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan from August 25 – Sep. 10.

Reflecting on the previous week, Omar Quintero, Head Coach of the Mexico Nationwide Workforce, mentioned: “It’s at all times good to complete earlier than the World Cup successful to provide us that confidence, we’ve bought a troublesome group to compete with however we really feel ready.

“The followers and the general public have confirmed us a lot love since we arrived, it’s unbelievable that Abu Dhabi is selling basketball right here – the followers, the hospitality, and the world are superb.”

Within the second recreation of the night, Workforce USA sealed a 108-86 win over Greece. Competing for the primary time within the area, Workforce USA took an early 32-17 first quarter lead and by no means regarded again. The US have been led by the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards who scored a game-high 21 factors. Greece was led by Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis with 12 factors apiece.

The sport noticed followers revel within the leisure and ambiance on supply as they chanted “GO TEAM USA” all through.

Middle Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz) mentioned: “It was plenty of enjoyable, we’ve bought unbelievable depth in our crew so all 12 of us are unbelievably gifted and all of us play the fitting means. Greece is clearly very expert, they’re very bodily so I’d say taking part in them now earlier than the pool play within the World Cup is advantageous.

“My expertise in Abu Dhabi thus far has been superior, the individuals are so pleasant, the hospitality and meals is unbelievable.”

Each the USA Basketball Showcase and Worldwide Basketball Week spotlight the Division of Tradition and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi’s dedication to reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a worldwide sporting vacation spot with a various calendar of leisure that appeals to a mass viewers.

The results of a multi-year partnership between the Division of Tradition and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi and the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA), final 12 months noticed the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Video games which can return later this 12 months when the Dallas Mavericks tackle the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 5 and seven as a part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Video games 2023 Introduced by ADQ. Each initiatives underpin the Emirate’s sports activities and leisure technique, and immediately align with the capital’s worldwide stance as an occasions innovator.

Tonight sees Germany tackle Greece with Workforce USA in motion once more, this time towards Germany, on Sunday night time. The USA vs. Germany recreation can be broadcast dwell within the area on Starzplay.

Workforce USA options NBA All-Stars Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), and Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), 2022-23 Defensive Participant of the 12 months Jarren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) and 2022-23 Rookie of the 12 months Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) beneath the watchful eye of Head Coach Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors). Germany options brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Dennis Schröder (Toronto Raptors) and Daneil Theis (Indiana Pacers).