The Americans beat China 119-62 in their pool play opener, led by 25 points from Kevin Durant.
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Although the squad of National Basketball Association players representing the United States at the Summer Olympics admit that they are the stars and favourites in Rio, they make an effort to appear humble.
Outside of Olympic competition, the U.S.is on a 68-game unbeaten run (45 straight wins in FIBA and FIBA Americas competitions, and 23 consecutive wins in exhibition games) that goes back to 2006.
United States’ DeAndre Jordan (6) scores over China’s Zhai Xiaochuan (9) during a men’s basketball game at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant will try to add another medal to their collections in the Olympics.
As the players were announced, there were some familiar faces missing, with LeBron James, Steph Curry and Chris Paul opting not to play.
The Americans have won 69 straight games, and improved to 81-1 under coach Mike Krzyzewski, who revived the US program and plans to step down following these games. Just because they haven’t been here before, or they might not be MVPs, or ten-time all-stars, but we got some damn good players on this team. They defeated their main rivals, Spain, in the gold medal games in both 2008 and 2012.
In Durant’s first appearance at Oracle Arena since his decision to sign with the Warriors, he scored the first 10 points of the game for his team, finishing with 13.
“I’m excited to see [Kevin Durant], DeMarcus Cousins, all the guys”.
Team USA will look to keep the momentum going on Monday night when they take on Venezuela.
Anthony finished with nine points and made history by becoming the first American male to play basketball in four Olympics.
It was the 18th consecutive win for Team USA in Olympics competitions and the 69th overall in worldwide games in 10 years, as per the Los Angeles Times. First, the United States beat China, 106-57 on July 24 in L.A. Just two days later, the Americans won again, 107-57 in Oakland.
Former NBA player Yi Jianlian will have a big load on his shoulder as the main man of the team.
The worst player on Team USA would very likely be the best player on most of the other squads. They had 31 assists on their 38 baskets.
Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers star, knocked in four 3-pointers in the second half for his 12 points.
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There were flags waving and fans singing, the festive scene in the stands more interesting to watch than the game. Late into their Day 1 victory over the Chinese, the USA picked up their opponent at full-court, showing no mercy in a game that was essentially done and dusted by the time the second half started. They haven’t lost an global game since settling for bronze at the 2004 Olympics, according to NESN.
