Austin Reaves Breaks Down Viral Dunk With Tyrese Haliburton
On Saturday, Team USA got their first win in group play during the FIBA World Cup, with Steve Kerr’s squad making easy work of New Zealand, even though they got off to a rough start.
All signs are pointing to Team USA being the team to beat during this tournament in the Philippines, as the team seems to have great chemistry, with some of the best and brightest in the NBA coming together quickly under Kerr this summer.
Although he’s not a superstar, nor has he even gotten an All-Star nod at this point in his career, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers is arguably the most popular player among the Americans right now.
Reaves seems to get the crowds going no matter where the team goes, and that was never more evident than in their first official game against New Zealand.
Along with winning over the fans, which are mostly Lakers fans, Reaves is also winning over his new teammates, as he has become close with Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges.
The Lakers star recently pointed out one of his favorite pictures from his time with Team USA thus far, with Haliburton in the background via Ball Don’t Lie.
“This is one of my favorite pictures, honestly.”
Austin Reaves and Tyrese Hailburton break down the dunk behind the viral flick ?
(via @NBA / IG)
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 27, 2023
Clearly, these young players are having fun representing their country overseas while potentially building lasting bonds and memories together.
During the win over New Zealand, Reaves scored 12 points off the bench with six assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
Although Reaves doesn’t light up the scoreboard like Edwards, he’s a vital piece to the puzzle for Team USA and will be crucial to their efforts to win it all in the Philippines.
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