London 2012 Basketball: Why Team USA Will Run the Table in Medal Rounds

The United States men’s basketball team is not going to lose in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

They are simply unstoppable for numerous reasons and should have no problem winning yet another gold medal for the historic program and country that invented the sport.

Let’s take a look at just why the Americans will not drop a basketball game on their way to the top of the podium. 

Range

The U.S. simply has unlimited range, and almost every single player on the roster is capable of stroking an international three-pointer. This is clearly evident after a quick look at the stat sheet, which reveals that the team is hitting 45.8 percent of its treys.

Team USA has been creating plenty of open looks off turnovers (we’ll get to this) and its incredible pace.

The lack of size on the roster was supposed to hamstring the Americans, but it has made them only sleeker and more dangerous. 

Depth

If anyone is having an off night on the roster, there is always someone on the bench ready and willing to replace him. This is a squad that sees NBA superstars Andre Iguoadala, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love start the game on the pine.

All of those players are starters and stars on their respective teams but for Team USA come in to spell Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Tyson Chandler.

This is a team that can take an injury or down game from any of its players and be relatively unaffected. 

Defense

This is the hallmark of the 2012 iteration of Team USA basketball. This group is just straight-up tenacious and relentless on the defensive end. It has been forcing turnovers with ease and forcing opposing ball-handlers into sloppy play.

When a team is winning by an average of 38.8 points per game, there is no way that poor defense is involved.

Expect the Americans to keep the gas on throughout the rest of the tournament and bring back another gold.