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What was supposed to be a battle for the United States turned into a blowout as Team USA defeated Spain 119-82 in their fourth game in Olympic pool play. Team USA entered the contest as the worst three-point shooting team in the tournament, but torched Spain’s 2-3 zone by knocking down 12 of their 25 three-point attempts.
LeBron James led the United States with 18 points and Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade chipped in with 16 points apiece. James sent the tempo early as he scored 9 of Team USA’s first 16 points. Anthony entered the contest shooting 40% from the field, but found his stroke against a team that forced Team USA to play more half-court basketball than they been accustomed to.
The United States responded with precise ball movement. Carmelo was the catch-and-shoot beneficiary of most of Team USA’s crisp passes around the perimeter. Anthony shot 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from the three-point line.
Operating from the foul line extended for most of the game, James led Team USA with 8 assists. Chris Paul tallied 8 assists of his own to tie LeBron’s game-high mark.
Team USA’s defense was once again stifling as they forced 28 turnovers. And they forced turnovers without over-extending themselves in the passing lanes. Team USA’s ball pressure was good, but they also respected Spain’s guards by playing a step off instead of chest-to-chest. As they did against Greece, the US switched on most of their opponent’s pick-and-roll possessions. Spain exploited this strategy with Marc Gasol setting picks and sealing smaller defenders for post-up opportunities.
The tactic resulted in early foul trouble for Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. With three quick fouls, Bryant was forced to the bench with over 7 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Kobe re-entered the contest in the second period. Team USA led 39-31 with 6:30 left in the second quarter when James connected on his second three-pointer of the game to stretch the lead to 42-31. Bryant knocked down a 3-ball of his own on the next possession and the United States never looked back.
All twelve players scored in this contest.
Team USA is on a mission.
The ferocity with which the United States plays defense is jaw-dropping. Eight of Team USA’s twelve players recorded at least one steal. Even scarier for the opposition is that Team USA is getting better. Spain was supposed to challenge the United States for gold, yet they were routed by 37 points today.
The original Dream Team had an average margin of victory of 44 points.
If the United States can continue their defensive onslaught and hit their shots from outside, they will win the gold medal handedly. And in so doing, they just might secure a higher place in basketball history than any of us imagined.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
It is encouraging that USA beat their presumed best competition. For better or worse, competitors tend to raise their game as the competition gets better, and USA certainly did that.
I didn’t think, however, USA had precision passing. They had 16 turnovers, and many deflected passes that would have been turnovers had the loose ball not ended up in American hands.
Also, because TeamUSA shot SO WELL from outside, particularly in the first half, USA never had to try to beat Spain where Spain is strongest: inside.
USA scored on outside shots and transition, and the bigs that scored scored outside, not in.
There is still room for Spain, Argentina or some other team to topple these guys, so they best not get overconfident.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Basketballogy,
The US turned the ball over often. But I thought they did a great job of moving the ball around the 3-point line.
You’re right, we never had to go inside against Spain. But I think Spain’s interior defense is overrated. I watched Pau Gasol play in all but about 3 of his regular season games with the Lakers and he’s not a top-notch man-to-man or helpside defender. Marc Gasol is a big body, but I don’t think he can bang with Howard down low or challenge shots from the helpside.
But I guess we’ll find out if Spain and the United States meet again and Team USA’s 3-point shooting is off.
I doubted the United States until now. Their defense is just amazing. They’re by far the best defensive team I’ve ever seen — as well as they should be.
August 17th, 2008 at 12:37 am
ah yeah…the real battle begins on Wednesday…