Mitchell Leads USA Past Czech Republic
Donovan Mitchell leads the United States to a 88-67 win over the Czech Republic at the FIBA World Cup
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell paced the offense as the United States launched their FIBA World Cup campaign on Sunday with an 88-67 win over the Czech Republic.
Mitchell scored 16 points to lead the USA, while Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes added 14. Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker got the team off to a fast start, combining for 20 points in the first half. Walker finished with 13 points and Tatum scored 10.
Myles Turner also had seven rebounds and two blocked shots for the US, who forced 15 turnovers.
Mitchell kept his dominating momentum down to the final minutes of the game in Shanghai.
For the Czechs, who played their first World Cup game since 1982, Chicago Bulls guard Tomas Satoransky led the team with 17 points.
The USA will play Turkey on Tuesday in Shanghai in a rematch of the 2010 World Championship final. The Czech Republic will face Japan on Tuesday.