Montenegro demonstrated to the United States that the competition is progressively becoming more formidable, managing to take the lead at halftime. However, Anthony Edwards spearheaded the American comeback in the second half, enabling them to maintain their flawless record and move one step closer to the Quarter-Finals.

In the second half, Edwards showcased his versatility by scoring all 17 of his points, displaying a wide range of skills, from jump shots to driving to drawing fouls. Haliburton, on the other hand, excelled on both offense and defense, contributing 10 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals.

This win positions Team USA quite favorably for advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals next week. However, it also highlights the impending challenges, starting with a match against the formidable Lithuania team this Sunday, and potentially facing even tougher competition as the tournament progresses.

Montenegro, boasting a significant size advantage and brimming with confidence, held the lead at halftime and kept the Americans from settling in until the closing moments. The game remained a close contest, with just a four-point difference three minutes before Reaves made a crucial 3-pointer, providing some much-needed breathing room for the U.S. team.

"Because you have to feel it, you have to go through an experience where it's a tight game and every possession matters and that's where you improve. I love the way our guys finished the game." Coach Steve Kerr of Team USA stated. "I think you definitely get better with a game like this rather than with a 40 point victory"

Undoubtedly, Team USA's Achilles' heel is its lack of size, a deficiency that has been evident since the team was formed. Montenegro, representing a typical Eastern European FIBA squad, is robust and formidable, boasting a prominent center in the form of Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls.

Montenegro wasted no time in exploiting its advantage, consistently feeding the ball into the post and aggressively pursuing offensive rebounds right from the beginning. By the end of the first quarter, they had established an 11-rebound lead, making it clear that they were a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Following a first-half performance where he missed all five of his shot attempts, Edwards entered the third quarter with a burst of energy, converting three baskets that significantly altered the game's momentum. This once again highlighted his importance as the team's most proficient scorer.

"I felt like I let my team down the first half, not being aggressive and stopped shooting after I went 0-for-5," Edwards said. 

Vucevic, who secured a substantial three-year, $60 million contract with Chicago just last month, assumed the familiar role often witnessed when facing the U.S. team – that of an NBA star who elevates his game to the fullest during moments of national pride. He physically battled his fellow NBA colleagues, vigorously competing for rebounds and showcasing the finesse that has earned him two All-Star selections.

He concluded the game with 18 points and 15 rebounds, dishing out a fair share of physicality to Jaren Jackson Jr., Bobby Portis, and anyone else who contested him in the paint. Jackson, who encountered foul trouble in the early stages of the game, did not register a single rebound, and no member of the U.S. team managed to secure more than 5 rebounds.

Reaves, who contributed 12 points, remarked. "They tried to slow it and make it a low possession and that's the opposite of what we want to do, We made big plays down the stretch it was good for us to get one of these games and get in tight positions so we know how handle and play under that adversity. So it was a good team win."

In the opening half, the U.S. managed to convert only one of their nine attempts from beyond the arc and finished the game at a 5-of-19 clip from long range. Additionally, they struggled at the free-throw line, missing 10 shots, and committed 12 turnovers. These factors collectively contribute to the recipe for defeat in a World Cup competition.