Only he and Carmelo Anthony returned from that team, but the new guys were plenty ready for their Olympic moment. “We appreciate the journey, the process”. “We want to send a message to the rest of the world that we’re here (on) business, we’re focused on winning, and that’s what we care about”.
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Similarly, guys like Durant, Anthony and Paul George, who more often play small forward, should see ample time at power forward. In addition, both head coach Mike Krzyzewski and team director Jerry Colangelo spoke to how Anthony had been vital in rebuilding the program from the lows of the 2004 Olympics. “I am excited about representing my country another time, and this is my last time, so I am even more excited”, she said.
“We had one goal at hand, and that was to win the gold medal”. On Aug. 2, 2012, Anthony exploded for 37 points – in only 14 minutes – in a 156-73 win over Nigeria, setting the single-game scoring record and three-point record (10) in one of the most domineering performances in the history of Olympic basketball. “Like when you go home, except on a boat”, USA guard Kyrie Irving said. “That’s better than making the shot, to be honest with you”.
Tougher competition might come later, but it should be an easy start for the Americans.
After pounding China by a combined 99 points in two exhibition games in July, the U.S. won 119-62 on Saturday in the Olympic opener for both teams.
When the Team USA men’s basketball squad makes the rounds at the opening ceremony of the Olympics Friday, they’re sure to be swarmed by fellow athletes who want to take a selfie as a souvenir.
Moreover, Anthony will surpass James and Hall of Famer David Robinson for most games played, and now holds the record for most three-pointers made with 94.
“We should cherish this opportunity and keep our cool mind”, commented Yi Jianlian, a former National Basketball Association player who is on his fourth Olympic journey.
China finished second in the 2015 FIBA Asian Women’s Championships and then third in the Olympics qualifying tournament. Leading scorer Kevin Durant led the way with 19 points and five assists with Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan all having balanced efforts.
The Chinese got on the board first with a pair of free throws, and it was tied at 4 after a basket by Yi.
As the games get underway, we will be including recaps at the end of each day and we will close out the recaps with previews for the following day. And aside from an early stumble at the 2006 world championship – where Greece beat the Americans in the semis – the US has been an worldwide juggernaut ever since, winning Olympic gold as the Redeem Team at the 2008 Olympics and repeating in 2012.
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Before leaving for Rio, the players gathered around USA Basketball Managing Director Jerry Colangelo.
