Team USA are safely through to the semifinals of the FIBA World Cup after a comprehensive victory over Italy, and there have been some big individual performances from the tournament favorites.

The Americans take on Germany in their next game on Friday as they look to book a place in the final, but they haven’t had a perfect run through the tournament in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

The USA breezed through the first group stage but lost once in the second round as they went down 110-104 to Lithuania.

Team USA are -167 to win the FIBA World Cup outright, and they are -600 money line favorites against Germany in their semifinal matchup.

It is probably fair to say that there isn’t necessarily a ‘go-to guy’ in this Team USA roster in terms of an out-and-out scorer who can be relied upon to put up big numbers in every game. 

Head coach Steve Kerr has instead seen key contributions from different members of his squad at various stages of the event - but there have still been a few individuals who have stood out and we’ve taken a look at Team USA’s top performers.

Anthony Edwards

Kerr has largely stuck with his same starting five throughout the tournament aside from bringing in Josh Hart to replace Brandon Ingram after two games. 

Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson and Anthony Edwards have started all six games so far and it is the latter who has perhaps just about edged it as Team USA’s main man.

Edwards is his country’s leading scorer and is averaging 20.2 points-per-game. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard went off for 35 points in the defeat to Lithuania, but followed that up with a way below-par showing against the Italians with just three points on 1-for-6 shooting, although he did add three assists and three rebounds.

The 22-year-old’s display against Italy was probably a one-off as it marked the first time he has failed to reach double figures in points at the FIBA World Cup. 

Nevertheless, the fact that the USA’s leading scorer can have such an off-day and the team can still win by a 37-point margin demonstrates the strength in depth Kerr has at his disposal.

Mikal Bridges

Brooklyn forward Bridges had a fairly subdued start to the tournament with a modest seven points and four rebounds in the opening win over New Zealand but has consistently raised his levels.

Bridges has increased his scoring output in each game and he was the clear standout player in the big win over Italy as Team USA sealed their semifinal spot.

The 27-year-old finished with 24 points and seven rebounds, and contributed two steals and a block at the defensive end.

Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton has been limited to minutes from the bench thus far but he has made big contributions for Team USA.

Haliburton had 18 points against Italy and went 6-for-8 from three-point range, and he has provided at least five assists in each of the last four games.

He is shooting over 50% from three-point range over the whole tournament.

Austin Reaves

Lakers rising star Reaves contributed 12 points in the win over Italy, and he has been one of the most efficient shooters in the tournament.

Reaves has missed just two of his 28 free throw attempts for a 92.9 percentage. He's also made 50% of his three-point attempts.

bet365 News Team

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