The greatest individual Miami Heat performances in Team USA History
By Azam Masood
Hoop fans received a reprieve from what has otherwise been a bit of a lull in the sports calendar as the 2023 FIBA World Cup commenced this past weekend. Team USA cruised to a 99-72 victory over New Zealand, and Nikola Jović’s Serbian team trounced China 105-63. While Jović is currently the only active Heat player participating in FIBA this year, Miami has a strong history of international play when it comes to representing Team USA.
For this list, we’re gonna highlight some of the greatest games that Heat players have had in international play. The only rule for this list is the player must have been an active member of the Heat while joining Team USA. That unfortunately means any 2008 LeBron or 2016 Jimmy Butler Olympic performances will not qualify for this list nor will Goran Dragić’s stellar international career playing for Slovenia.
We’re going chronological beginning at the turn of the millenium in Sydney all the way to 2021 in Tokyo.
1. Alonzo Mourning, 2000
The Game: 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Semifinals against Lithuania. Team USA wins 85-83
The Player & The Line: Alonzo Mourning, 16 points (5-5 FG; 6-6 FT; fouled out).
The Context: The 2000 Men’s Olympic Basketball team isn’t quite as heralded as the ’92 Dream Team, but they still managed to go a perfect 8-0 and secure a third consecutive gold medal. However, the penultimate game against Lithuania was arguably the first time the Americans faced a true scare in international play since pros were permitted to participate. Though legendary big man Arvydas Sabonis opted to retire after the 2000 season, the Lithuanians (thanks in part to some dreadful USA foul shooting late) had a chance to steal this game. However, a desperation three point attempt came up short and Lithuania would have to settle for a bronze finish.
It’s a good thing Mourning finished with a perfect game on offense, as Team USA needed every last point to keep this from being an upset. The only blemish on this ‘Zo performance is that he fouled out deep into the 4th quarter.