As team U.S.A. ran onto the court to warm up for their game against China, the crowd's energy was immense. It seemed that the overwhelming Chinese crowd was more excited to watch team U.S.A., than their own Chinese national team. When the game began Yao Ming knocked down a three pointer, at that point you could only think back three years ago when team U.S.A. opened against feisty Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico handed the US a 19 point embarrassing defeat in the opening game in Athens. But this is a totally different team, a different chemistry, and a different caliber of players. Like many teams that play against the US, China didn't show any signs of backing down in the first quarter of play. Their crowd provided them with a hometown energy to compete with the Americans. As the first quarter continued, the US stretched out their legs and began to run like gazelles as their defensive pressure forced turnover after turnover by China. That defense ignited team U.S.A. into fast break dunks that wowed the Chinese crowd.
It was as if team U.S.A. wanted to send a message to the rest of the world. Any dunk opportunity the US had, they attack it. The attack was with power, attitude, and sort of a built up frustration from the Athens Olympics. Even though the US came out strong, China never backed down and shot 8 of 11 from the three point arc. Open looks for China from three was a result of defensive breakdowns by team U.S.A. Going for that highlight steal sometimes resulted in a wide open three for China.
LeBron James was phenomenal in the first half of play. The King's strength is one of his best superhuman gifts that he possesses. James was on a fast break heading towards the rim when Yi Jianlian attempted to grab James's arms. Not only was Jianlian unable to slow down LeBron, James was fouled and finished the lay in resulting in a three point play. Late in the first half, you could see the US extended their defense to full court. Quick ball traps and doberman like aggressiveness left China sucking wind. The first half ended with team U.S.A. leading China 49 to 37.
When the second half opened the US exposed China's guards. The US started to separate even more from China because of defensive pressure and intensity. China knew that they could only play at a certain level and that level was nowhere near team U.S.A. Getting a huge and expected spark from Dwyane Wade, who finished the game with perfect shooting from the floor. Wade was 7 of 7 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free throw line, giving him 19 points for the game. Also LeBron James continued his beast like ability by overpowering opponents with thunderous dunks. The US led by 17 points and the second half was nowhere near over.
Reserves played much of the second half for team U.S.A. Michael Redd and Deron Williams carried the rest of the load for the team, as they proved their worth. Redd was once again on fire from three finishing with 9 points. Williams conducted a fast break, pick you apart style of play that he possesses. Any chance that Williams got, he was pushing the tempo and running up China's back with the basketball. Williams finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. The final score was a overwhelming 101 to 70 victory for the US. Team U.S.A. will play again Tuesday against Angola at 7 a.m. CT.
- On Tuesday's game watch out for the fierce combination of backup point guards Deron Williams and Chris Paul. In the second half against China, these two gifted guards played off each others energy and allowed team U.S.A.'s offense to flow smooth like your favorite summer breeze. Williams brings an offensive game that is very suitable for international play, while Paul brings a competitive attitude on defensive, harassing opposing guards.
- Also look out for team US.A.'s three point shooting. This can be a problem in the later rounds against powers like Argentina and Spain. The US shot just 29 % from three against China. Michael Redd cannot be the only three point threat that the US has. The team as a whole needs to shoot better from three in order to reach the gold medal.
Be Peaceful
2 comments:
I thought play picked up for the USA when Carmelo was out of the game. The team seemed to play better defense when Dwayne Wade was in. I was really impressed with Dwight Howard's play, when he runs the floor, there might not be many international big men that can stay with the USA. And he did an excellent job around the basket; getting rebounds, put backs, and dunking the ball whenever he could.
I agree with you CJ that there is a different chemistry with this team and I think once they get over early nerves and play some of the better teams then we will see if all their preparation can lead them to the gold.
Carmelo Anthony never really got into the flow of the game against China. It was if he had something else on his mind because he only recorded 3 points and 4 rebounds. This is unlike Anthony's ability to create his points. But its okay because the Americans have numerous players that can step up and help bring a positive force for the US.
Dwight Howard can definitely run the floor on any center in these Olympic games. The only player that might be able to keep pace with Howard is Pau Gasol. But everyone knows that Gasol has a softness to his game inside the paint. Howard's athleticism cannot be matched in this tournament and he should always have an advantage when he runs the floor.
The better the competition, the better the player plays. Team U.S.A. knows they are the best in this tournament, but there are teams that can knock off the US, if they aren't focused.
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