USA-China Review
In a game that was watched by an estimated 1 billion on TV the United States shook off a jittery start and ultimately prevailed 101-70 against host nation China. The atmosphere inside the arena was absolutely electric from the start and both sides seemed to be affected by nerves and the bigness of the situation.
The first half was deceivingly competitive as the Chinese stayed close mainly because they were unconscious from the 3-point line (7-11 from three mid-way through the 2nd quarter). Yao Ming didn’t get near enough touches and Yi Jianlian forced the issue way too much, but China acquitted themselves well for the most part.
The game turned at the start of the 3rd quarter when Team USA ratcheted up their defensive intensity and outscored the Chinese 25-11. LeBron James (18 points on 8-12 shooting with 6 rebounds and 3 assists & steals), Dwyane Wade (19 points on 7-7 shooting from the field and 5-5 from the free throw line) and Chris Bosh (9 points on 4-4 shooting with 8 rebounds (4 of which were offensive) and 3 steals) looked the best for the Americans.
On the down side Carmelo Anthony continued to struggle (0-3 shooting in only 14 minutes) and Kobe Bryant forced his offense some (6-14 from the field and 1-7 from three). As a team they shot only 7-24 (29.2%) from distance and were out rebounded on the offensive glass again (9-13).
Other than that this wasn’t Team USA’s finest performance, but it didn’t have to be. As long as they are building toward playing their best ball by the quarterfinals they should be fine.
3 things I noticed…
1. With the way Melo is scuffling along the best American five right now is probably Deron Williams, Wade, Kobe, Bron and either Dwight Howard or Bosh (depending on match ups).
2. The international 3-point line just isn’t a natural distance shot for our players. It’s a mid-range jumper for all intents and purposes, and I think that plays a part in our problems there.
3. I like how everyone on the club is finishing with two hands at the rim when in traffic.
Elsewhere around the tournament…
> Russia, Germany, Spain and Croatia all rolled while Argentina was upset by Lithuania.
> In a shocker Spain coach Aito Garcia Reneses started Marc Gasol (Spanish ACB league MVP) over his brother Pau at center.
> For all those that still doubt basketball’s popularity around the world; Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili, Andrei Kirilenko and Sarunas Jasikevicius all carried the flag in the opening ceremonies for their respective countries.
The first half was deceivingly competitive as the Chinese stayed close mainly because they were unconscious from the 3-point line (7-11 from three mid-way through the 2nd quarter). Yao Ming didn’t get near enough touches and Yi Jianlian forced the issue way too much, but China acquitted themselves well for the most part.
The game turned at the start of the 3rd quarter when Team USA ratcheted up their defensive intensity and outscored the Chinese 25-11. LeBron James (18 points on 8-12 shooting with 6 rebounds and 3 assists & steals), Dwyane Wade (19 points on 7-7 shooting from the field and 5-5 from the free throw line) and Chris Bosh (9 points on 4-4 shooting with 8 rebounds (4 of which were offensive) and 3 steals) looked the best for the Americans.
On the down side Carmelo Anthony continued to struggle (0-3 shooting in only 14 minutes) and Kobe Bryant forced his offense some (6-14 from the field and 1-7 from three). As a team they shot only 7-24 (29.2%) from distance and were out rebounded on the offensive glass again (9-13).
Other than that this wasn’t Team USA’s finest performance, but it didn’t have to be. As long as they are building toward playing their best ball by the quarterfinals they should be fine.
3 things I noticed…
1. With the way Melo is scuffling along the best American five right now is probably Deron Williams, Wade, Kobe, Bron and either Dwight Howard or Bosh (depending on match ups).
2. The international 3-point line just isn’t a natural distance shot for our players. It’s a mid-range jumper for all intents and purposes, and I think that plays a part in our problems there.
3. I like how everyone on the club is finishing with two hands at the rim when in traffic.
Elsewhere around the tournament…
> Russia, Germany, Spain and Croatia all rolled while Argentina was upset by Lithuania.
> In a shocker Spain coach Aito Garcia Reneses started Marc Gasol (Spanish ACB league MVP) over his brother Pau at center.
> For all those that still doubt basketball’s popularity around the world; Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili, Andrei Kirilenko and Sarunas Jasikevicius all carried the flag in the opening ceremonies for their respective countries.
posted by D$ at 5:00 PM
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