The United States World qualifying team reinvented itself this weekend, defeating Puerto Rico, 93-76, Thursday night and then avenging their lone loss in zone play when they defeated previously unbeaten Mexico, 89-67, in Washington D.C. Sunday to build their record to 3-1.
The Americans, who moved to the next round, upgraded their constantly fluid G-League fueled roster for this window by adding 40- year- old, seven- time NBA All Star forward Joe Johnson and two other players with NBA experience– guards Langston Galloway and David Stockton.
Johnson and Galloway combined for 30 points as the U.S. jumped to a 48-21 lead at halftime. Stockton, whose Hall of Fame father John was in attendance, scored 15 points
Luckily for the Americans, Johnson, who played one game with the Boston Celtics in December, wasn’t ready to end his career and offered to help.
“I never look at it like that,” he said. “Me and my son, he’s 15, we’re in the gym almost every day. So that’s never been my thought process. Even though I’m not playing professionally, I still get a chance to complete.”
Johnson gave the Americans a immediate lift against Puerto Rico, scoring 18 points as they overcame a 10- point first half deficit.
“He’s as professional a player and a person as I’ve ever been around,” US. coach Jim Boylen said “When you only have five days to prepare, you don’t have time to waste steps so yu need that. He’s got the experience and he’s got great spirit about him. When you lead with humility, guys will follow you.”
The next qualifying window is in July.
Mexico (3-1), which defeated the U.S., 97-88 in Mexico, never led in the rematch. Fabian James led the visitors with 11 points.
The next qualifying window is in July.
The 2023 World Cup will take place in Aug 25 Sept 10 in Indonesia, Japan and Philippines. Teams can qualify directly from the World Cup for the 2024 Olympics.
