Featured Columnist IVJuly 31, 2024
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Team USA star Anthony Davis allayed any fears about his right ankle after he appeared to get injured in Wednesday’s 103-86 win over South Sudan.
Davis told reporters after the game he’s feeling “100 percent.” He said South Sudan forward Wenyen Gabriel, who’s a former teammate on the Los Angeles Lakers, “just kind of stepped on my foot.”
Fans grew concerned when Davis grabbed his right ankle in the second quarter after the contact from Gabriel. It ultimately didn’t appear to be anything too serious when the nine-time NBA All-Star opened the second half for the U.S.
Davis logged 19:08, finishing with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks.
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With the win, the United States booked a place in the quarterfinals ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Puerto Rico. Team USA hasn’t yet secured first place in Group C, though, so it still has tangible stakes to play for.
The national team’s first two games have showcased the incredible depth at head coach Steve Kerr’s disposal. The Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum didn’t take the floor in the 110-84 victory over Serbia, and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid was glued to the bench Wednesday against South Sudan.
If Kerr wanted to be extra cautious with Davis’ ankle, he could rest the 6’10” big and still have Embiid and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo to anchor the frontcourt.
