Team USA Rolls Lithuania
August 1st, 2008 at 8:39 amBy Chris
The US Basketball invasion of China continued this morning and Team Redeem didn’t disappoint, dispatching the Lithuanians, 120 – 84. Led by a resurgent Dwyane Wade (and a nasty, NASTY windmill alley-oop dunk), the Americans look unstoppable on offense. True, there were some defensive lapses, however, credit Lithuania for knocking down open looks and not backing down.
It was a dominating performance that saw a six U.S. players in double-digits. Wade led all scorers with 19. Besides the well-oiled offensive attack, the American coaching staff will also be pleased with the ball movement, a by-product of said attack. Deron Williams and Chris Paul led the Redeemers with seven assists a piece (although, ESPN credits Williams with five), followed closely by King James’ six dimes (again, ESPN lists four — interesting disparity between them and NBA.com).
Other bright spots for Team USA — Dwight Howard and his 17 dunks points (of which, I’d say 12 of them came from dunks); Deron Williams and his ability to get to the rim time and time again; Kobe’s all-around game and the way he leads with his defensive pressure; Michael Redd’s flick-of-the-wrist jump shot. I’m almost shocked when it doesn’t go in. Oh yeah, that LeBron cat has been playing pretty decently as well. Imagine that.
There are two more exhibition games for Team USA before the real Olympic tournament begins. Next up is the Russian National Team on Sunday at 3:00 in the morning (2am CST) followed by Australia on Tuesday at 8am EST. After that, it’s the Olympic tournament with Team USA facing China — and Yao — on the opening night of play (August 10).
