At the FIBA World Cup in Spain in 2014, some fans chanted “US-B, US-B” instead of “US-A, US-A” to mock Team USA for not having their “A” list stars such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

But that “B” team had Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving and James Harden among others, and it was enough star-power to trounce Serbia in the final.

None of those so-called “B-listers” are playing at the FIBA World Cup in Manila this year. Some skeptics think Team USA 2023 is beatable and lacking FIBA world cup experience. Indeed, New Zealand led much of the first half on Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

But this “US-C” team has hallmarks of previous world championship teams from the United States. They have more depth, speed and athleticism than any team in the tournament. Their bench players such as Paolo Banchero and Austin Reaves took over the game on Saturday night.

As a whole, Team USA simply wore down the rugged Kiwis with in-your-face defense like this from Jalen Brunson, who also made a deft spin move.

While Slovenia has Luka Doncic, and Canada looked impressive in their 30-point blow-out of France, no other team can call on the same number of NBA stars. USA Coach Steve Kerr on Saturday night gave significant minutes to Brooklyn teammates Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis, New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram, Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.

No wonder Kerr was laughing with Bridges after the game.

Team USA will stay in Manila throughout the World Cup, which runs from Aug. 25 through Sept. 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Team USA play in the group stage against New Zealand on Aug. 26, Greece on Aug. 28 and Jordan on Aug. 30. 

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