USA vs. Spain Score: Athleticism and Depth Carry Americans to Easy Win

It wasn’t always pretty for the U.S. Men’s National basketball team on Tuesday in their 100-78 win against Spain, but it was exactly the type of game they needed in their final exhibition before the Olympics begin.

Spain came out strong behind Pau Gasol, holding a 23-21 advantage after one quarter.

Tyson Chandler picked up two quick fouls and the perimeter defense of the Americans was atrocious. Somehow Serge Ibaka had 16 points by the half. This was without Marc Gasol, who sat out the game.

Alarms were sounding, but then the Americans remembered what they do best: creating pressure on defense and turning it into easy baskets.

The U.S. took off in the second half and never looked back.

Once again Carmelo Anthony looked like the best player on the floor for long stretches at a time. He’s thriving in his new role off the bench, scoring a ridiculous 23 of America’s 48 points in the first half. ‘Melo finished with 27 points on only 15 shots for the sort of efficient performance that’s rarely seen when donning a New York Knicks jersey.

Spain’s pick-and-roll defense was less than stellar, but maybe it was because LeBron James and Kevin Durant were the one’s taking advantage. Is that the most unstoppable play in professional sports right now? James finished with 25 points and eight assists while Durant had 13 points and eight rebounds.

With an eight-point lead at the half, the Americans blew the game wide open with their endless run of fast breaks. The chemistry of this team on the floor may not be great, but that seems to go out the window in the open court. It’s their pick-up game roots.

Kevin Love had nine rebounds off the bench and Kobe Bryant played the role of facilitator, dishing out four assists while only scoring six points on three shots.

ESPN’s Stats and Info team gives us perspective of just how rare it is for Kobe to only attempt three shots:

"

Kobe had 3 FGA in 20 min vs Spain. In the 1,310 career NBA games he played 20+ min, never had fewer than 4 FGA

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 24, 2012"

Players are beginning to get comfortable in their roles and head to London with plenty of confidence. But without both Gasol brothers in action, the glaring issue of height is still going to be a concern until the moment the gold medals are handed out. Chandler must adjust to the way FIBA refs call a game. He is too important to be stuck on the bench with foul trouble.

The Americans will begin their Olympic gold defense on Sunday against France. 

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