While OKC Thunder fans have yet to witness Danilo Gallinari playing at Chesapeake Energy Arena they got early insights into the power forward’s natural talents at FIBA 2019. Gallo’s team came out of the gates hot winning their first game 108-62 versus the Philippines club.
After undergoing an appendectomy there was uncertainty whether Gallinari would be fully recovered in time to compete but he put those questions to rest immediately. In this first game of Italy’s D Group, the Italians looked poised to be one of the players to factor as 2019 FIBA title contenders.
That said, it was important not to assume a big win over a lower tier team meant an automatic berth for the stronger Italian team.