Team USA won in their FIBA World Cup debut, this is how Reaves made a difference

When the roster for Team USA which was going to represent the country at the FIBA World Cup was announced, most fans and the NBA media disliked it as they thought most of the players were too young and inexperienced.

One of the players that many believed didn't deserve the call was Austin Reaves, who has been playing great for the Lakers but many believe he only gets the attention because he is a purple and gold star.

Reaves' all-around production, spirit, and poise were difference-makers as he and some fellow bench players pulled the Americans out of an early malaise in a game that will have to be a building block if the team is to keep its status as a favorite.

"I was one of those kids watching the World Cup [and] the Olympics, so every day I wake up and cherish those moments," Reaves said. "I'm from a super small town, and not a lot of people expected me to be here representing our country. So for the [crowds] to accept me the way that they accept me, it means a lot to me."

What makes Reaves different is his defensive game

Reaves offers something so valuable in FIBA play: effective defense without fouling. That's always an attractive trait in basketball, but with FIBA referees and just five fouls for disqualification, it is magnified. Meanwhile, as he showed during his breakout season with the Lakers, Reaves is also an expert at drawing fouls, and that combo is golden in the World Cup set.