Top Performers in first half of Window 3: Murzagaliyev, Saoud, Chism, Zhou, Dellavedova

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Top Kazakhstan guard Rustam Murzagaliyev was the best overall performer in the first half of Window 3 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers after dropping 26 points in a win over Iran, 68-60.

The 30-year-old veteran is better known for being the Steppen Wolves' primary playmaker, but he shifted into being their primary scorer when they hosted powerhouse Iran this window. Murzagaliyev shot an efficient 7-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. More impressively, he was a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line while also adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He registered a 29 EFF rating as the Kazakhs remained unbeaten over five games in Group D.

Also putting an EFF rating of at least 25 was explosive Lebanese guard Amir Saoud. Prior to the Cedars' home game against Jordan, Saoud had been struggling, averaging just 9.0 points per game, including scoring only 5 points in their previous meeting with the Falcons. He had also been shooting cold, just 33.3% from the field in his first three Asian Qualifiers games.

That all changed last night when Saoud caught fire in front of their home crowd as they won, 89-70. The 31-year-old connected thrice from three-point land and shot a flawless 5-of-5 from the free-throw line en route to scoring 24 points in Lebanon's huge win over their West Asia rivals. If this is a sign of how the 6'2 shooter in Lebanon's coming games, including the FIBA Asia Cup 2022, then Lebanese fans have a lot to be excited about.

Without center CJ Giles anchoring the middle for Bahrain in Window 3, they turned to Devon Dwayne Chism for scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. The 6'8 journeyman power forward is very familiar with Asian basketball, having played professional hoops in the Philippines, Lebanon, and of course, Bahrain. He showcased his all-around brilliance in Bahrain's crucial road win over Syria in Aleppo, 76-67, where the 35-year-old tallied 20 points, 7 boards, and 4 blocks. His overall EFF rating was 22 as they registered win #1 and moved closer to advancing to the next round of the Asian Qualifiers.

As expected, China's Zhou Qi towered over his opponents in the first half of Window 3. Even if China went 1-1 in their last two games, Zhou impressed big time. The 26-year-old slotman averaged 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks across their matches opposite Australia and Chinese Taipei. He also shot close to 63.0% from the field and recorded a 25.5 EFF rating. There's really no clear way to stop Zhou, given his size, length, and versatility. It's automatic buckets when he's close to the ring, and he can also hit the occasional jumper. He will likely continue to have big games as China face Japan and Chinese Taipei to close out this window.

It was great to see Matthew Dellavedova back for the Boomers, and his first two performances this window did not disappoint. The 31-year-old former NBA champion averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 triples per game as Australia had convincing wins over China and Japan. His 70.0% shooting clip from beyond the arc is just mind-boggling, and that certainly helped him record an 18.0 EFF rating over those two matches. It'll be interesting if he can replicate that kind of production as the Boomers square off with China again, but don't be surprised if he continues to knock those threes down for the green and gold.

FIBA