Defending champion U.S. flexed its muscle right away as it started its title-retention bid with an 88-67 drubbing of Czech Republic on Sunday in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Shanghai, China.
Gunning for a third straight title, the Americans were led by Donovan Mitchell, who fired 16 points.
Harrison Barnes chipped in 14 markers, Kemba Walker added 13 points and Jayson Tatum tallied 10 for U.S., which led from start to finish.
Myles Turner effectively manned the paint for the Americans as he collected seven rebounds and two blocks.
Former Washington Wizards Tomas Satoransky paced the Czechs with 17 points.
The Czechs threatened at 66-52 early in the fourth quarter but the Americans put the game away with a barrage of three-points as they padded the lead to 72-52.
