USA vs. Spain: Open-Court Dominance Proves Team USA Is Unstoppable

Team USA looked to be in for something of a test throughout a tight first quarter against Spain in the fifth and final tune-up before official London Summer Olympics competition begins.

The uncertainty didn't last for long, though.

LeBron James and company ultimately prevailed in a 100-78 victory over their Spanish opposition.

It would be an oversimplification to ascribe the turnaround to any single factor, but there's no question the principal difference between the first and second quarter was Team USA's ability to force turnovers and push the tempo.

Spain is arguably the United States' most dangerous opponent in Olympic competition, due primarily to the club's improbable size advantage in the paint.

Though Marc Gasol didn't play in Tuesday's exhibition game, brother Pau Gasol and power forward Serge Ibaka more than held their own. The two bigs set the tone in the first quarter, and the United States' vulnerability down low was as clear as ever.

The last thing Team USA needed against Spain was a half-court game.

Whatever head coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the first quarter seemed to do the trick.

The perimeter defense kicked in and made the U.S.' size deficit a non-issue. Their aggressive pressure against ball-handlers and risk-taking in the passing lanes turned the game into a track meet, and Spain couldn't keep up.

Of course, it also helped that Carmelo Anthony turned in a dominant jump-shooting performance, racking up 27 points in the process.

There's no question that Team USA's ability to hit the three ball is vital to its gold-medal hopes. Kevin Durant proved as much against Argentina, and Anthony did so again against Spain.

That long-range accuracy isn't what separates this team from all the rest.

And it's not what will instantly change momentum.

The real difference maker is Team USA's ability to exploit its speed and athletic superiority in the open court. No one can stop it, and rarely will they even try. This team's best offense is undoubtedly its stifling defense.

With elite ball hawks like Chris Paul, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook turning opponent ball movement into a liability, these games become nearly impossible for international competition.

What Team USA lacks in execution and play-calling, it certainly makes up for with playmaking.

The endless reel of highlights is pretty nice. Another gold medal will be even nicer.