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MANILA, Philippines–Staff USA’s opener within the Fiba World Cup at Mall of Asia Area on Friday felt like a house recreation for Anthony Edwards and the remainder of the People.
Staff USA, unsurprisingly the gang favourite within the basketball-crazed Philippines with its all-NBA lineup, drew boisterous reactions from the predominant crowd of Filipino followers for just about each play they made whether or not or not it’s a step-back jumper from Edwards or just a behind-the-back transfer from Austin Reaves.
“[We’re] tremendous excited to have you ever guys,” the Minnesota Timberwolves guard instructed reporters on the blended zone after Staff USA’s 99-72 win over New Zealand. “Carry on rooting for us and we’ll proceed to placed on a present for you guys.”
It was Staff USA guard Austin Reaves, who performs for the Los Angeles Lakers, who drew the loudest cheers in Manila, and Edwards, identified for his comical character, couldn’t assist however poke enjoyable at his fashionable teammate.
“Austin, you’re him!”
This postgame second between Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards is simply too humorous 🤣
(by way of @usabasketball)pic.twitter.com/w1JU3p5EIr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 26, 2023
In a video from USA Basketball going viral, Edwards was proven imitating a Filipino fan who yelled “AUSTIN YOU’RE HIM!” as Staff USA was heading to the dugout.
Even Reaves wasn’t stunned that he was a fan-favorite within the nation, the place his Lakers have a cult-like following within the Philippines.
“I had type of seen it coming. I used to be speaking to [Lakers assistant coach] Phil Helpful and he stated they love the Lakers out right here,” Reaves stated within the post-game press convention.
Edwards and Reaves mixed for 26 factors for the Steve Kerr-coached squad, whereas Paolo Banchero topscored with 21 factors.
Staff USA takes the ground once more on Monday–a nationwide vacation within the Philippines–and is predicted to attract an incredible crowd once more, and this time Edwards and Co. wish to placed on a way more cohesive begin than they’d towards the Kiwis, the place they even trailed 14-4.
“Simply the beginning,” stated Edwards when requested what the American crew wants to repair coming into their subsequent recreation towards Greece. “The primary group, myself, we received to come back out so much higher for positive.”
WATCH: Staff USA’s Anthony Edwards on enjoying within the Philippines and having Miami Warmth’s Erik Spoelstra as one of many coaches. | by way of Celest Flores/Inquirer Sports activities• Go to inq.information/FIBAWC2023 for stay updates.
Posted by Inquirer Sports activities on Saturday, August 26, 2023
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