It was a big win for an Australian team that has never medalled in the Olympics.
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China’s big man Yi Jianlian, a former 6th overall pick in the National Basketball Association, led his team in scoring, dropping in 18 points in 29 minutes.
Bogut said after the injury, his plans were still to play in the Olympics, there was just the matter of how the knee felt.
U.S. can go big or small, and though head coach Mike Krzyzewski has shown a tendency to stay big in the exhibition schedule, they won’t be afraid to utilize whichever lineup succeeds best.
The 2016 Rio Olympics showcased the superior skills of the U.S. Men’s basketball team. Expect the star-studded to USA Basketball to win by at least 40 points. And then we play Australia, who is very good.
In an interview after one of their practices in preparation for 2016 Rio Olympics, Anthony said, “It really hasn’t sunk in yet about the fact that I’m playing in four Olympics and have an opportunity to win three gold medals”.
The 32-year-old veteran also tied LeBron James and David Robinson by playing in his 24th Olympic match. Taurasi, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Carmelo Anthony – all four-time Olympians – were on those squads. “I’m proud of him”. Durant with the individual star with his 3-point shooting, but there were plenty of contributors beyond the Slim Reaper that helped US run away with the victory.
Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George each had big roles to play in the win, but it was team play that really helped set the U.S. apart.
Durant, Anthony, Cousins, Kyrie Irving and Warriors guard Klay Thompson started the game for the Americans, and all 12 players scored.
At one point, with three minutes to play in the second quarter, Durant sank a 3-pointer, marking his third straight three, a personal 9-0 run all coming from around the same spot, on the right wing.
Bird and Taurasi will be competing in their fourth Olympic games, while Charles and Moore will compete in their second. Who is going to stop the Sacramento Kings big man in the low post?
Durant led the first-half surge with 17 points.
The USA men’s basketball team will officially kick off their title defense on Saturday when they face China in Day 1 of the 2016 Rio Olympics Basketball men’s competition at Carioca 1 Arena in Brazil. He missed nearly all of the 2014-15 season and returned to All-NBA level in 2015-16.
Yi Jianlian enjoyed a solid game for China by recording 25 points, but that was one of the few positives for them.
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The Americans’ defensive effort held China to.357 shooting from the field and a.294 mark from outside the arc.
