Team USA head coach Kara Lawson was not pleased with her players’ performance in their second group-phase game against Italy on Sunday.
Angel Reese and Co. managed a 55-52 win over Italy, but it was far from dominant for Team USA, the overwhelming favorites to win their fifth straight World Cup title in this year’s tournament.
Only Jackie Young scored in double figures for the Americans with 10 points. Reese came off the bench for eight points, three rebounds, a steal and two blocks.
After the game, Lawson had some strong words for her team. The USA head coach demanded that this should be “the last time that a team plays with more passion than us.”
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The squad responded with a massive bounce-back win on Monday. Team USA flexed its dominance with a 105-64 victory over Czechia to complete a 3-0 sweep of the group stage. Reese came off the bench again to log 13 points, six rebounds and three steals.
The Atlanta Dream star spoke to reporters after the big win. When asked about Lawson’s comments following the Italy game, Reese admitted that the team took their coach’s words to heart.
“Let that be the last time that we didn’t play to where we are, the USA standard,” Reese said, relaying Lawson’s message. “And I think tonight we came out and definitely took that personal.”
Team USA will need to keep that strong mindset heading into their next game. This comes in the form of a do-or-die quarterfinals matchup against Hungary on Thursday.
Reese and Co. are now just three wins away from their gold medal goal, but they will need to be at their very best in the knockout stage.
