Team USA vs Montenegro score, result: Anthony Edwards takes over second half to avoid upset at FIBA World Cup

Benyam Kidane

Team USA vs Montenegro score, result: Anthony Edwards takes over second half to avoid upset at FIBA World Cup image

Team USA survived a scare against Montenegro, closing out an 85-73 win in their first real test at the FIBA Basketball World Cup to remain unbeaten (4-0).

After going scoreless in the first half, Anthony Edwards sparked the United States, scoring 17 points in the final 20 minutes on 7-of-16 shooting, while Austin Reaves added 12 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 11. Tyrese  Haliburton and Mikal Bridges chipped in 10 points apiece.

Edwards scored 10 of his 17 in the third quarter to give the USA a 61-55 lead heading into the fourth and with the game in the balance down the stretch, he came up with a series of timely plays on both ends to keep Montenegro at bay.

Bulls' big man Nikola Vucevic led Montenegro with 18 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks as they dominated the glass, outrebounding the USA 49-31, including 23 offensive rebounds, which led to 22 second-chance points. 

With the USA struggling from the 3-point line, connecting on just 5-of-19 attempts, they leaned on their defense, forcing 22 turnovers to break the game open, outscoring Montenegro 23-2 in fastbreak points. 

If you missed any of the action, The Sporting News tracked all the live updates from this morning's tense win.

If you missed the game live, you can watch a replay on FIBA's official streaming service, Courtside 1891. Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount for any of the subscriptions to watch the World Cup any time, any place on demand.

MORE: The reason behind Team USA's surprising lineup change

Team USA vs Montenegro score

Team 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final
USA 19 18 24 24 85
Montenegro 18 20 17 18 73

Team USA vs Montenegro live updates, highlights

(All Times Eastern)

FINAL: USA 85, Montenegro 73

6:25 a.m. — That's it from Manila. The United States hold on for an unconvincing 12-point win. 

6:24 a.m. — Anthony Edwards drills the mid-range dagger from the baseline and that should be enough to see them home. 

6:22 a.m. — JJJ has come up big time for the USA down the stretch on both ends and in the blink of an eye, USA has found their footing to take a 10-point lead, 79-69, with 90 seconds to play. 

6:15 a.m. — Again on the offensive glass, Montenegro make the USA pay to cut the lead to 72-68.

6:13 a.m. — A costly turnover from Vucevic on the inbound, handing it right to Edwards who dunks it home. USA lead 71-64.

6:12 a.m. — Vucevic is back in the game for Montenegro for the final six minutes. Can he keep Montenegro firing in the fourth quarter?

6:08 a.m. — Montenegro's offensive execution down the stretch has them right back in the game. USA lead 66-62.

6:03 a.m. — Steve Kerr responds to Montenegro's dominance on the glass, starting the fourth quarter with Banchero and Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt. 

End of third quarter: USA 61, Montenegro 55

6:00 a.m. — Tyrese Haliburton scores five quick points to give the USA some breathing room heading into the final frame. We've got a good finish coming up in Manila. 

5:55 a.m. — Is it too early to call this the Nikola Vucevic game? He's been unstoppable in the paint and after converting the and-1 play he cuts the deficit to just two points, 56-54.

Vucevic has a game-high 16 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.  

5:47 a.m. — Montenegro has made up for their 15 turnovers with a monster effort on the glass, outrebounding the USA 35-23, including 15 (!) on the offensive glass, creating a ton of second-change opportunities. 

5:43 a.m. — In an attempt to slow down Nikola Vucevic (13 points, 12 rebounds), Josh Hart takes the defensive assignment on the cross match in the post and immediately forces a turnover. USA lead 48-46. 

5:41 a.m. — Anthony Edwards is starting to come to life for Team USA  with his first points of the game, scoring on back-to-back possessions, but Montenegro remains in front, 42-41.

Halftime: Montenegro 38, USA 37

Nikola Vucevic leads all scorers with nine points and 10 rebounds, while Austin Reaves has a team-high six points for Team USA. 

5:26 a.m. – USA's halfcourt offense was out of synch in the second quarter. They've looked their most dangerous getting out on the break with 16 of their 37 points coming on fastbreaks. 

5:25 a.m. — Back-to-back buckets from Simonovic has Montenegro going into the half with a one-point lead. 

5:21 a.m. — Walker Kessler takes matters into his own hands with the two-handed slam off the Edwards feed. Simonovic is called for an unsportsmanlike foul, throwing an elbow and after arguing with the officials, it's now a technical foul. USA lead 37-34.

5:16 a.m. — Team USA going through a mini-cold stretch on offense in the second with some clunky half-court sets. They're shooting just 1-of-8 from the 3-point line.

5:13 a.m. — Montenegro is having a tough time breaking down the USA's one-on-one defensive coverage. They're doing a great job denying the ball and playing the passing lanes. 

5:06 a.m. — The Haliburton x Banchero combo is in synch again tonight as they connect for the alley-oop. USA lead 24-21.

End of first quarter: USA 19, Montenegro 18

Despite trailing for most of the quarter, USA goes into the first break with a one-point lead, thanks largely to Montenegro's seven turnovers. 

Montenegro have dominated the rebounding 18-7, including 7-0 on the offensive glass. 

4:55 a.m. — Montenegro's fast start has been undone by some sloppy possessions resulting in turnovers. They've already given it away six times through the opening seven minutes. 

4:53 am. — Reaves, Haliburton and Ingram check into the game as the USA go to their small-ball lineup with Banchero at the five. Montenegro remains with their starting lineup.

4:52 a.m. — Paolo Banchero checks in for the USA and they immediately get out and running. A layup from Hart ties things up at 12-12. Timeout Montenegro. 

4:47 a.m. — A strong start for Montenegro on the offensive glass sees them take an 11-6 lead early in the quarter led by Nikola Vucevic, who has five points and three rebounds. 

Pregame

4:35 a.m. — Team USA will keep the same starting five from their previous game, with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Anthony Edwards, Mikal Bridges, and Jaren Jackson Jr. 

Montenegro will start with Kendrick Perry, Petar Popovic, Dino Radoncic, Marko Simonovic, and Nikola Vucevic.

Where to watch Team USA vs Montenegro

  • Date: Friday, Sept. 1
  • Time: 4:40 a.m. ET | 1:40 a.m. PT
  • TV channel: ESPN2
  • Live stream: ESPN+ | Courtside 1891 | Sling TV

Team USA vs Montenegro will air on ESPN2. Viewers can also stream FIBA Basketball World Cup games on ESPN+, Sling TV or Courtside 1891.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sling TV, which is now offering half off your first month! You can stream the sports you love starting at just $20 in your first month with Sling Orange, which includes ESPN2.

Courtside 1891 offers two subscriptions. Courtside 1891 Plus is free and gives you access to "extended highlights and a curated feed for your favorite teams and competition." Courtside 1891 Max is a paid subscription that allows you to watch "live game streams and full game replays."

If you just want to watch the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, you can buy a pass for the entire tournament for $9.99. An annual pass, which includes the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and other international competitions, costs $44.99. Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount.

Geo-restrictions may apply to certain regions. Click here to find out which games are available in your region.

Team USA schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

The United States was in Group C with Jordan, Greece and New Zealand in the first round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It has formed Group J with Montenegro, Lithuania and Greece in the second round.

Date Opponent Time (ET)/Result TV Channel
Saturday, Aug. 26 vs New Zealand W, 99-72 ESPN2
Monday, Aug. 28 vs Greece W, 109-81 ESPN2
Wednesday, Aug. 30 vs Jordan W, 110-62 ESPN2
Friday, Sept. 1 vs Montenegro 4:40 a.m. ESPN2
Sunday, Sept. 3 vs Lithuania 8:40 a.m. ESPN2

Team USA roster for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards and Jaren Jackson Jr. are among the players representing the United States Men's National Team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Here is Team USA's full roster:

Position Player Team
F Paolo Banchero Magic
F Mikal Bridges Nets
G Jalen Brunson Knicks
G Anthony Edwards Timberwolves
G Tyrese Haliburton Pacers
G Josh Hart Knicks
F Brandon Ingram Pelicans
F Jaren Jackson Jr. Grizzlies
F Cam Johnson Nets
C Walker Kessler Jazz
F Bobby Portis Bucks
G Austin Reaves Lakers

When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

  • Dates: Aug. 25 to Sept. 10
  • Where: Philippines, Japan and Indonesia

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup tipped off on Friday, Aug. 25. The Group Stages will run through Sept. 3 with the single-elimination knockout stage beginning on Sept. 5.

The tournament will conclude with the gold medal match on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.