Defending champion Team USA completed a sweep in the group-stage round after it routed Japan, 98-45, in the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Thursday night in Shanghai, China.
Coming off a close 93-92 overtime win over Turkey, the Americans proved too hot to handle for Japan as they never looked back after racing to an 11-0 start.
The US improved to 3-0 (win-loss) and its first assignment in the second round will be against Greece of reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“He’s going to come out to kill us, there’s no question,” Team USA center Brook Lopez said in an espn.com report. “He’s going to want to tear our heads off. I wouldn’t expect anything otherwise.”
Jaylen Brown had a breakout performance in the competition as he led the Americans with with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Kemba Walker added 15 points, while Harrison Barnes donated 14.
