Ham Express

USA destroys Spain 119-82

The U.S. basketball team is on their way to getting the gold. Spain was the only team that had a real chance at beating the U.S. in Group B. Coming into today’s game, both teams were 3-0. Now, the U.S. are 4-0 and have clinched first place in Group B after shutting out Spain 119-82.

You can throw anything at Team USA; they’ll most likely defeat it and throw it right back at you. Spain tried to play zone against U.S., but it failed. They attempted the pick-and-roll early in the game, but it failed. They tried to win, but it failed.

Kobe performs a backwards dunk against Spain

The first quarter was fairly exciting, as Spain took a quick lead of 7-4 until the U.S. passed them. By halftime, the U.S. had extended their lead by 16 points, causing Spain to force 17 turnovers. They even prevented Pau Gasol, Spain’s best player, from scoring any points in the first twelve minutes. However, it seemed like the U.S. were getting into foul troubles as many were called in the first half.

ESPN.com has given a great rundown of quick facts from the game:

- Spain had 28 turnovers which matched the team’s field goal total
- The fast-break points were listed at 32-0
- Spain was 58% from the field despite a 16 point lead from the U.S.
- Jason Kidd scored his first basket this game
- 57.9% FG shooting (44-for-76)
- 48% 3-pt shooting (12-for-25)

LeBron James led the team with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. His leadership has truly played a major part in Team USA. He has matured very much since ‘04 and strives extremely hard to redeem their team. Melo and D-Wade both recorded an impressive 16 points as well.

Dwyane Wade does a two-hand dunk

I believe the U.S.’s defense is superior to all of the teams in Group B. Their defense has seriously gave them the upper-hand in the game. Kobe’s impeccable defense has given them such huge advantages against the other team’s best players; Dwyane Wade’s ridiculous speed scores several fast-break points; and King James can penetrate through almost any defense.

The road to the gold is getting closer and closer. And our chances become larger and larger. There’s really nothing much left to be said that I haven’t said in my past articles. They just need to remain focus and continue their powerful defense.

The U.S. have only one game left in the preliminaries before the medal rounds. Germany will most likely fall to our powerful offense and extraordinary defense.