FIBA: Kobe Bryant’s First Quarter & Carmelo Anthony’s Dunk Help Team USA Cruise Past Argentina
August 31 07
It wasn’t a blowout. But it wasn’t close, either. Team USA, in a battle between two unbeaten squads, cruised to an easy 91-76 victory over Argentina in second round play at the FIBA Americas Tournament.
With the win, Team USA earned the first seed in Saturday’s semi-finals round. And Stars and Stripes looks like a lock to secure one of two births to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Here are my observations from last night’s game:
Think Kobe Bryant wanted to make a statement? His first quarter was Jordan-esque, raining three-pointers and bringing down the Vegas house with a reverse through-the-legs dribble in traffic. Mamba finished with 27 points.
And the award for best poster job in an international competition goes to Carmelo Anthony. Last night, Anthony packed a fierce one-handed jam on some poor Argentine, who will now appear in countless youtube videos.
Luis Scola is going to be a solid NBA player. Last night, he hit for 20 points and pulled down five rebounds despite receiving extra attention from the American defense. The Argentine will have a big year in Houston.
Michael Redd needs to get going. He missed his first few shots before finally connecting on a three-pointer. Mike Miller could soon replace Redd in the rotation.
Team USA continues to get solid play from their two point guards Chauncey Billups and Jason Kidd. Billups and Kidd combined for 10 points and 10 assists last night.
Argentina out-rebounded Team USA 37-28. This statistic is misleading because Argentina shot poorly from the floor and could follow up their misses. But Team USA, with just a few legit bigs, should keep an eye on their rebounding.
Dwight Howard had another nice outing, contributing nine points and nine rebounds in limited minutes. However, his best moves came at halftime. Did you catch The Lion King dancing and imitating Shaquille O’Neal? Priceless, absolutely priceless.
What did you think of Team USA’s win over Argentina? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.
this is the greatest team ever fo1 reason the master in kobe the best there is was and ever will be!!!!! .
Posted by Long Islander on 09.1.2007
I think the US basketball team is the best team there is in the world. I know they are not tested yet with the European teams, but with the players you have in this team, I can guarantee the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics. take my word. .
Posted by HoopsFanMike on 08.31.2007
joemomma how bout your bro ’melo or some other terminology plz...Kobe was sensational, the ’melo dunk was vince-carteresque, the U.S. team is jellying and if Kupcake doesn’t trade do the Bynum for Kidd deal if it’s still is on the table after watching how well Kidd and Kobe click he’s on some serious drugs... .
Posted by joemomma on 08.31.2007
that dunk was nasty yo thats my nigga carmelo .
Posted by
on 08.31.2007
Love that dunk .
Posted by
on 08.31.2007
Crazy Dunk by Melo .
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About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA
Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More
