With the game tied at 72 in the fourth quarter, the Americans went on to outscore Australia 26-16.
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The United States played on cruise control Wednesday, running an uninspired – often static – one-pass-at-best offense and a lazy defensive scheme that the Australians had no problem carving up with backdoor cuts. They just played lights out basketball. However, unlike Anthony, Schmidt did not have to compete with loads of big name players for minutes on the court.
“We beat a heck of a team tonight”, Krzyzewski said.
While the USA had easily routed Senegal and Spain in its first two games, winning by an average of 52.5 points, it had a harder time against the hot-shooting Balkan nation. “This was a really good night for us”.
A three-pointer from Irving with 1:37 remaining brought the lead back to 7 and a split pair of free throws from Irving and two from Durant brought it to 10. “Mr”.
Anthony, 32, first passed David Robinson (USA, 270 points) and then LeBron James (USA, 273 points) on Wednesday to earn the honour at his fourth Olympic Games. On the Australia vs. US basketball game night, he scored 30 points.
Literally all their shots dropped in the first half, but they were patient and moved the ball unselfishly and perfectly executed their sets.
Mills scored 15 points in the first half as the Aussies shot 68 per cent in the first half, sinking 19-of-28 shots from the floor, while the Americans made only 37 per cent (17-of-46).
“The second is that they’re not invincible because we had a close game”. “He obviously played well, he is a quality player. He’s tough to deal with”.
Indeed, for all of their vast talent, it appeared as if Team USA lacked the cohesion that Australia did in the first half. Its motion offense filled with off-ball screens and back cuts shredded the USA defense, especially in the first half when Australia shot 68% on its way to a 54-49 lead at the break.
Despite leaving superstars including LeBron James and Steph Curry at home, nobody was given a hope of matching it with them in Rio but an Australian side packed full of National Basketball Association talents held no fear, and it showed.
They’ve said it won’t come easily. It’s like being on a highway, driving 55 in the right lane, and today’s game was played in the left lane and with no speed limit. “We’ve got to watch the tape, get better and hopefully get another crack at them”.
The second quarter would be a back and fourth game.
The USA can get away with that stuff against China and Nigeria – but not Australia. “We’re focused. We’re locked in on that”.
Having been drawn in the same group for Rio, the two teams won’t be able to meet again until the gold medal match should they finish in the top two.
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Maybe this time, people will believe him.
