USA vs. Venezuela: 112:69
Brazil vs. Canada: 75:67
Mexico vs. Puerto Rico: 100-89
Uruguay vs. Panama: 88-84
Nobody should be surprised by the Venezuela, US outcome. I watched the entire game live, and the Venezuelans were acting like food for the gods pretty much from the first quarter onward. The US led 54-34 at halftime, and pretty much poured in on the South Americans with highlight reel dunks and easy layups in the second half. Having been assembled as a team just a few weeks ago, the US offense lacked real continuity and decisiveness. They missed a ton of threes (Just 8 of 21, 38%) and the halfcourt sets consisted of driving to the lane, one-on-one isolations, or dribble-and-kick plays for three opportunities. Most of the US points came off bad Venezuelan shots and turnovers (VEN had over 20), leading to easy transition points. These sort of offensive opportunities won't be available versus more formitable teams such as Brazil and Argentina, and should they make it to Beijing, against the top tier European squads. Defensively, the US looked far more sharper. Bryant alone reaked havoc in the Venezuelan backcourt, causing several turnovers and bad decisions. How the US defend against better offensive teams is another story, though. All and all, good win for the US.
The most surprising outcome from yesterday was Mexico, Puerto Rico. Based on how Puerto Rico played Wednesday it's entirely possible that this team could be eliminated after the first round, something that's never happened to them in five previous Tournament of the Americas. The boriquas just aren't playing good basketball. You just can't allow a team to shoot 36 of 46 (78%) from the field and expect to win. Team Puerto Rico looks cooked.
Brazil vs. Canada: 75:67
Mexico vs. Puerto Rico: 100-89
Uruguay vs. Panama: 88-84
Nobody should be surprised by the Venezuela, US outcome. I watched the entire game live, and the Venezuelans were acting like food for the gods pretty much from the first quarter onward. The US led 54-34 at halftime, and pretty much poured in on the South Americans with highlight reel dunks and easy layups in the second half. Having been assembled as a team just a few weeks ago, the US offense lacked real continuity and decisiveness. They missed a ton of threes (Just 8 of 21, 38%) and the halfcourt sets consisted of driving to the lane, one-on-one isolations, or dribble-and-kick plays for three opportunities. Most of the US points came off bad Venezuelan shots and turnovers (VEN had over 20), leading to easy transition points. These sort of offensive opportunities won't be available versus more formitable teams such as Brazil and Argentina, and should they make it to Beijing, against the top tier European squads. Defensively, the US looked far more sharper. Bryant alone reaked havoc in the Venezuelan backcourt, causing several turnovers and bad decisions. How the US defend against better offensive teams is another story, though. All and all, good win for the US.
The most surprising outcome from yesterday was Mexico, Puerto Rico. Based on how Puerto Rico played Wednesday it's entirely possible that this team could be eliminated after the first round, something that's never happened to them in five previous Tournament of the Americas. The boriquas just aren't playing good basketball. You just can't allow a team to shoot 36 of 46 (78%) from the field and expect to win. Team Puerto Rico looks cooked.
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