Canada's forward Kelly Olynyk (L) reacts after scoring three points during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group H match between Canada and France at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on August 25, 2023. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images)
Keeping up with the Utah Jazz: Game 2 results from all players
What’s going on with the Utah Jazz’s FIBA Five after they played their second set of games?
The Utah Jazz’s FIBA Five are having very interesting World Cup experiences. Walker Kessler and Kelly Olynyk continue to be undefeated and a showdown between the two North American juggernauts is bound to happen at some point, you’d think. At least eventually.
Italy is teetering on the brink of elimination and advancement, sitting at 1-1 behind new country leader Simone Fontecchio. Replacing Danillio Gallinari wasn’t going to be easy but Fontecchio’s squad has got to be better.
Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen of the Philippines and Finnish are winless, with the Philipines holding an outside shot of moving on, and the Finnish national team officially eliminated from action.
Jazz teammates Clarkson and Fontecchio are scheduled for a round-one showdown, which could make or break Italy’s hopes of moving to round two.
Simone Fontecchio – Italy loses to the Dominican Republic (87-82)
29:34, 4/15, 1/8 – 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, BPM 0, EFF 5
The Italians really should’ve won this game, had Simone Fontecchio shot better. His inefficient game downed Italy’s then-perfect run through the entire FIBA World Cup process, dating back to the start of the warmup round. Fontecchio took the most shots on his team but it was Marco Spissu who scored the most points (17). A showdown with Philipines leader and Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson is next, and the Italians need a win to advance.
Remaining Games:
Tuesday, Aug. 29 vs. Philippines (2:00 a.m. MST on ESPN+)
Kelly Olynyk – Canada defeats Lebanon (128-73)
17:25, 5/6, 0-1 – 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, BPM +26, EFF 25
Kelly Olynyk started for Team Canada and helped his squad smash Team Lebanon to eliminate them from the tournament and clinch his team a spot in the second round. Canada and Lativa will both be moving on, but only one will do so with a perfect record, as the two undefeated teams meet next. Olynyk was a jack of all trades against Lebanon, and that versatility should help fans of he Utah Jazz get hyped for what he can bring to the team in 2023.
Remaining Games:
Tuesday, Aug. 29 vs. Latvia (7:30 a.m. MST/ ESPN+)
Walker Kessler – United States defeats Greece (109-81)
5:46, 2/4 – 4 points, 1 rebound, BPM+ 7, EFF 2
Walker Kessler only got five minutes of action against Greece. A blown opportunity as Greece has primarily been seen as a cupcake team without its star play. They had an Antetokounmpo in the lineup but it wasn’t Giannis. Without the future Hall of Famer, Greece stood no chance against the US, and the entire US squad chipped in, with Austin Reaves leading the way with 15 points. All they have to do to guarantee a spot in round two is defeat the underpowered Jordanian team.
Remaining Games:
Wednesday, Aug. 30 vs. Jordan (2:30 a.m. MST/ESPN2)
Lauri Markkanen – Finland loses to Japan (98-88)
30:15, 10/21, 2/7 – 27 points, 12 rebounds, BPM -7, EFF 25
Lauri Markkanen and the Finnish are finished in the FIBA World Cup tournament. They’re not done playing games, they still have one remaining in the first round, and they’ll go on to play another round of group action to help determine the country’s seeding, but they’re no longer eligible to win the FIBA World Cup.
Remaining Games:
Tuesday, Aug. 29 vs. Germany (1:30 a.m. MST/ ESPN+)
Jordan Clarkson – Philippines lose to Angola (80-70)
38:43, 7/22, 1/8 – 21 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, BPM -14, EFF 14
The Philippines came up short in a game they really should’ve won. After leading late into the fourth quarter against the Dominican Republic, Jordan Clarkson and the Philippines were expected to be able to even up their record. And with Italy taking a loss, their hopes of moving on were high, but Clarkson was largely inefficient and the team just couldn’t beat a team they really should’ve.
Remaining Games:
Tuesday, Aug. 29 vs. Italy (6:00 a.m. MST/ESPN+)
