I noticed Greece’s off the ball backscreens. They were successful with them too. I bet we’ll see more of that against Spain.

If I remember right, Michael Redd didn’t get off the bench in the first half. Which was surprising.

I don’t think we’re going to see Spain’s coach play his hand tomorrow. ESPN talked about this today, but Spain has been going with a lot of “junk” lineups to throw other teams off in their preparation.

Welcome.

That’s why it’s important that the United States defeat Spain tomorrow. If the US wins, they will be the #1 seed and Spain will have to defeat Argentina to get to the gold medal game.

I’m always leery of a team with Manu Ginobili on it. His will to win is incredible.

Brandon Hoffman, don’t forget that Argentina is not the leader in Group A. Ginobili, Scola and Co. were beaten by another company.

Greece knew we would stay man to man on defense if we could, and they knew we have been obsessed with learning to defend the pick and roll, so they tried to play one step ahead of us and pick off the ball and pass to a cutting big, or create a mismatch, depending on how USA played the picks.

Bosh was so important in thwarting them.

Good work on identifying our strongest 5. I’ve been wondering that myself and I think you nailed it: Paul, Wade, Bryant, James, Bosh… but Williams hasn’t been a slouch either.

I don’t think the 2nd quarter broke open until Paul, Wade, Bryant, James and Bosh started creating turnovers and running.

I didn’t worry too much about USA’s outside shooting (just a little), I was confident it would be adequate.

USA’s outside shooting will matter more against Spain, as the USA will be out rebounded and have less chances to run. The floor will need to be spread for SLASHERS to score, not post up scoring. Bryant, Wade, Paul, Williams, and James are all built to slip into the seams of interior defense and get to the foul line while scoring.

I also wonder if Tayshaun will be more needed to spell Kobe so as to keep the perimeter ineffective so that the remaining Yanks can clog the paint and help each other with Spain’s Bigs.

Michael Redd’s dead eye may be needed as well to spread the floor.

Dwight Howard should be well rested for Spain. Boozer too.

Interestingly, if I understand correctly, it looks like the US will play Spain TWICE before all is said and done.

Knowing that, I’ll be especially nervous if the first game against Spain is close, ’cause that means it is more likely Spain is able to beat the US in the gold medal round.

Thankfully, TeamUSA is all healthy.

Dwight especially worried me.

I’m psyched too. But Spain is going to be tough. And let’s not forget Argentina. Ginobili is reportedly healthy.

Looking forward to Saturday…

Go USA!

You’ve probably read at least twenty recaps by now. Sorry it took me so long to get mine up. My PC has been on the fritz today, but I think I’ve got it fixed.

Cheers to an awe-inspiring performance from Team USA.

I couldn’t be any happier with their play.