With Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart sidelined temporarily, Joe Harris got the start Thursday for Team USA and played 20 minutes in the Americans’ 98-45 World Cup blowout of Japan.
Harris finished with 10 points and five boards while shooting 66.7 percent overall and from beyond the 3-point line. In three games, Harris is shooting 66.7 percent from deep.
Team USA finished the preliminary round of the World Cup with a 3-0 record and now advances, opening the elimination round Saturday vs. Greece and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Harris now ranks fourth in 3-point shooting in the World Cup. Amath M’Baye of France is first at 72.5 percent.
Team USA’s defense smothered Japan throughout the matchup in Shanghai. The Americans allowed just nine points in the first quarter and eight points in the third, outscoring Japan by double digits in all four quarters. At one point, the US led by 62 points.
Jaylen Brown led Team USA with 20 points. Five players from Team USA finished in double figures in the blowout victory. It was the second straight game that the USA had at least five players in double figures.
The two former Nets big men on Team USA, Brook Lopez and Mason Plumlee, scored seven and two points, respectively.
- Box Score: Team USA 98, Japan 45 - FIBA.com