USA Basketball vs. Venezuela: Live Score, Highlights for Summer Olympics 2016
The United States men's basketball team came alive after a sloppy start Monday night to drub Venezuela, 113-69, in Group A action at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
At the end of the first quarter, Venezuela had surprisingly played the USA to an 18-18 tie. The Americans were out of their rhythm offensively due to a physical Venezuelan defense, a foul-happy defense of their own and some poor ball-handling and passing.
However, midway through the next frame, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan started energizing the team with some impressive shot-making and defensive playmaking. The squad found its flow, and by halftime, the Americans stretched their lead to 22. The team then coasted to victory by continuing to get out in transition and make outside shots.
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The United States had a balanced attack led by Paul George (20 points), Jimmy Butler (17 points), Durant (16 points), Jordan (14 points) and Anthony (14 points). John Cox, a first cousin of Kobe Bryant, paced Venezuela with 19 points.
The Americans play next against Australia on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET. Venezuela faces off against China on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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