The U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Nigeria Monday night in their final exhibition game before the Rio Olympics.
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At that point in the game, Nigeria was just losing by a point much to the surprise of the sell-out crowd.
But there was plenty of reason for Team USA fans to watch with interest, because several stars came up with terrific highlights.
Anthony led the way with 19 points, Klay Thompson scored 17, Kevin Durant has 14, DeMar DeRozan 13 while DeAndre Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins had 10 each.
Although you can’t tell how this team will react in a close game with them dismantling the likes of Venezuela and Nigeria on a slate that simply can’t challenge them, this group is drastically superior to any that will cross their path at any point. It would be both Bryant’s and James’ final go-around at the Olympics that signified the ushering in of a new era for USA Basketball. Don’t be surprised by a similar result. He’s the best point guard on the roster, and if Team USA needs to score down the stretch of games, Irving is the best option after Durant. He shot 4-for-18 and led the team with 11 turnovers, even though only three players got fewer minutes than he did. Without a major change of some sort, these Olympics are going to be pretty boring when it comes to basketball. Interestingly, the screenshots also include the original Dream Team of the United States back in 1992.
Two former Syracuse basketball players participated in that game; Anthony and Michael Gbinije, who will represent Nigeria in Rio. It outscored Nigeria 30-15 in the third quarter to essentially put the game out of reach for good. Teams are awarded two points for a win and one for a loss, which means the US should finish the preliminary round with 10 points or it will become world-wide news at these Olympics.
But now boasting NBA-based players Dellavedova (Milwaukee Bucks), Andrew Bogut (Dallas Mavericks), Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs), Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz) and Aron Baynes (Detroit Pistons), Andrej Lemanis’ Boomers genuinely believe they can go all the way in Rio.
Irving’s first taste of playing on the US national team was in 2014 during the FIBA World Cup, in which he was named tournament MVP as he helped the USA win the two-week tournament that’s contested every four years.
Even with Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski leading the way, even with Carmelo Anthony, now competing in his fourth Olympic Games, the unquestioned veteran leader, Irving considers himself a leader.
Team USA hasn’t really been challenged by the competition, but has had trouble shooting the ball at times.
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The women played higher-caliber opponents during their tour, which started in Los Angeles before moving to the Northeast for victories over France, Canada and Australia. He did not make a 3-pointer.
