Team USA Rises Up Again

Team USA had another easy win as they routed Angola 97-76 this morning. Angola has not faired well against the U.S in the past, losing by 68 (in 1992), 33 (1996), and 26 (2004).

Once again, ”The Redeem Team” started off slow in the first half, and they were only up seven with four minutes left in the second quarter. Their outside shooting woes continued by missing eight of their first 12 shots from behind the shortened international three-point line. However, almost anything would be an improvement from the previous game where they missed 14 of their first 15 three-pointers.

Just like the game against China on Sunday, the Americans turned it up before the close of the first half by converting easy baskets in transition to stretch their lead. Angola trailed 55-37 at the half with LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony combining for a remarkable 18-of-18 from the field. Angola does not have a player taller than 6″7″ on the roster, which resulted in the U.S. outscoring them 64-26 in the paint.

The U.S dominated the game with runs of 12-0 and 10-0, showing they can score in bunches. Once again, Wade led the team in scoring again with 19 points. Howard chipped in with 14, and James and Anthony each had 12. Kobe Bryant struggled from downtown, missing all of his eight attempts. However, Bryant provided the highlight of the game with his stellar defense, which resulted in a steal and a 360-spin dunk in the third quarter.

With the game seemingly in hand, Coach Mike Krzyzweski rested Bryant and James for most of the second half. The U.S. had a comfortable 33-point lead in the fourth quarter. Coach K went with a smaller lineup playing point guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams together.

Team USA is 2-0 in Group B winning by a combined 52 points. They have been relying on their superior depth and athleticism, but need to shoot more efficiently from distance if they want to win the gold. With the three point line being only 20 feet, and 6 inches, look for Coach K to give three-point specialist Michael Redd more playing time in the coming games. The Americans are set to face Greece on Thursday, which will be their toughest game to date.