USA vs. Russia Recap

The game is airing now live on ESPN and I'm not enjoying what I see out of Team USA. Way too much 1-on-1 play for the American team that I think I'm watching guys play at X-Sports or the Y on 63rd Street. If Kevin Durant & continue to play the isolation game, I would not be surprised if they ended up going home. But if they decide to play team ball, this game could be a rout. Coach K's group needs to show offensive & defensive patience.

With 90 seconds left in the 3rd quarter USA has decided to show patience on offense & defense and own a commanding 15 point lead. Kevin Durant (23 points) has played the entire game but is still in isolation mode. Good hang time move by Velvet Hoop to finish strong with the left hand...no foul was called.

KD finished with a game high 33 as Team USA advances to the semifinals. Once again Russell Westbrook provided us with two highlight dunks to send the USA bench off their seats. Pushing the Lakers to 6 games plus FIBA experience has done wonders for Westbrook & Durant. I can't wait to watch Thunder basketball this year.

FIBA Basketball on ESPN 2

USA Basketball vs. Angola 11 AM ET on ESPN2 Labor Day. I will post a recap later.

FIBA World Championship

With everyone projected Spain vs. Team USA in the championship both teams have struggled in the FIBA World Championships so far. The difference is, Team USA remains undefeated. The defending world champions Spain have lost 2 out of their last 3 losing most recently to Lithuania?!?!?!? Exactly other than Team USA, Spain has the most NBA ready players on their roster.

Last night Brazil gave Kevin Durant & company a scare as this new group of American ball players held on to defeat a Leandro Barbosa squad by a single bucket 70-68.If Team USA is healthy then someone needs to check Andre Iguodala's ankles. Close to the end of the game, Barbosa gave Iggy a sick behind the back dribble that sent AI to the ground. USA Basketball still has two major problems that they need to adjust:

1. Turnovers
2. Consistent lineup

I'm aware any player on Team USA can score 20 plus any given night but Coach K needs to focus on a consistent lineup. Other than Kevin Durant, nobody know if they'll play the next game. Turnovers continue to be a problem for Team USA as they are sloppy and needs better clock management.

Once those two problems are solved, Team USA should win the FIBA Championship as well as the 2012 Olympics. 

USA Basketball Recap

With Kevin Durant's game winning block against Spain a few night ago, Team USA remained undefeated in International play. Team USA is in the pursuit for their first gold medal since 1994. Chicago's own Derrick Rose dominated down the stretch hitting clutch free throws and finishing strong with the left hand (and one).

Ricky Rubio impressed me the most as he showed why the Minnesota drafted him fifth in the 2009 NBA Draft Draft. Rubio reminds me of a taller version of Steve Nash minus the 3-point range. Spain and USA have become quite a rivalry the past five years and I can pretty much say these two teams will meet in the World Basketball Finals.

Without Howard, Boozer, Bosh, Team USA has to rely on Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Love as their big man. This current group is more athletic than the Redeem Team but not as talented. Kevin Durant is the new leader of this group according to the coaching staff and the media but Big Shot Chauncey Billups is the one these young ball players need to listen to.

Way too many slashers in this group and not enough big men and shooters. Therefore when the next cuts take place, Coach K should say goodbye to Russel Westbrook, Ruddy Gay, and Danny Grainger. Reasons being Curry, Gordan, Billups are the shooters. Rose, Rondo play the lead guard. Odom, Wallace, and Iggie are the athletic do everything forwards.

The group is good enough to win the gold along with the 2012 Olympics but they better not take Spain for granted.