Well, they’re not blowing teams out by 40. But for a team that many had significant doubts about heading into the FIBA World Championships, Team USA is doing pretty well for itself. Team USA ran out to a 14-4 lead and never looked back in a 99-77 win over Slovenia Sunday in Istanbul (not Constantinople).
Kevin Durant was particularly dominant, getting it done at both ends of the floor. His perimeter defense on hard shows stopped the ball, forcing sloppy passes leading to breakaway dunks for the US off of steals. His range was in effect, as he nailed the long-ball repeatedly. Kevin Love continued to show why he may be the best “big” on the team, gobbling up offensive rebounds and aggressively attacking the rim. And yes, the outlet pass was in effect as well. Russell Westbrook came in and did a great job of attacking the zone for Slovenia.
There were downslides, though.The US seemed frustrated early with the zone, and were significantly foul prone, putting Slovenia in the bonus for much of the second quarter. Slovenia started to put a run together by attacking the basket off of cuts, usually exploiting Lamar Odom. Odom has not played well in the first two games, seemingly lost on both sides of the ball and struggling in the low-position role he’s found himself in. Odom was brought because of his experience and versatility, but many younger players are showing more heads-up play and focus than Odom at this point. Odom did do a good job on the boards, collecting 9 as the primary big on the floor (Tyson Chandler played only 9 minutes and had no points and 2 rebounds). Derrick Rose struggled with the physical play of Slovenia and was largely ineffectual for USA.
Former NBA player Bostjan Nachbar led the way for Slovenia with 13, using his range to keep defenders off guard, while Gasper Vidmar had his moments with 10 points. Goran Dragic was limited the entire game with fouls, finishing with only 7 points to go along with 4 assists.
Durant had 22 for the States, and would have had more if not for foul trouble. Love finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Rudy Gay finished strong, using his size and versatility to hit a barrage of inside hooks, mid-range jumpers, and threes.
The US plays Brazil Monday in their stiffest challenge yet, with Anderson Varejao, Leandro Barbosa, and new Spur Tiago Splitter waiting.
But so far, Team USA has overcome every challenge, and done so with relative ease. With Spain losing to France Saturday, Team USA has to be considered the clear cut favorite to win the Championship.