Milwaukee Bucks centre Bobby Portis put on an impressive performance during Team USA’s decisive victory over Puerto Rico on Monday night. For the 2018 FIBA World Cup, the 28-year-old veteran will serve as the team’s older statesman among a group of young superstars. As seen by the fact that Portis stole the show in the United States’ 117-74 victory over their South American opponents on Monday night, it appears that Portis did not get the memo.
Bobby chants have erupted in Vegas! 🗣️
🇺🇲 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/uV53ypGPN0
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 8, 2023
Despite playing a small amount of time in his Team USA debut, Portis made the most of it. In just 13 minutes of play, the Bucks forward/center scored 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He also contributed valuable minutes off the bench for head coach Steve Kerr while grabbing three rebounds, a steal, and a block. This one had plenty of Portis’ customary effort and tenacity, which earned him a +23 +/- rating for the evening. At one point in the fourth quarter, the enthusiastic crowd began shouting Portis’ name because they were so impressed with his performance.
Team USA’s Anthony Edwards is in the driver’s seat
While Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves led the charge with a performance that tied for the team lead in points with 15 with a team-high performance, while Portis may have had a tremendous game in his debut game for the national team. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard went 7 of 13 from the floor and added four assists and four steals. Despite the roster’s abundance of stars, it is certain that Edwards will be a key member of Team USA at the 2018 FIBA World Cup.