For the first quarter, it looked like Team USA Basketball was going to be in for a fight. But as we've seen from the Redeem Team, they just need a little challenge to get warmed up. The Australians trailed by just one point after the first quarter, but after Deron Williams hit a buzzer beating three-pointer to end the 1st half, Team USA and particularly Kobe Bryant, got their beat down on.
Bryant took his turn to lead the team, scoring 25 points, 9 of which came during the 14-0 run to begin the second half.
Australian Patrick Mills tried to stir things up with Dwyane Wade again, but that's the most resistance the Aussies were able to provide.
Lebron James did his usual work on the board (nine) to go with 16 points.
Up next is Argentina, the defending gold medalists in the Athens 2004 Games, who beat Greece thanks to Manu Ginobili's 24 points and 11 flops.
So long as the defensive intensity remains high, I see no reason why they shouldn't pummel the flopping bald spot by at least 25. Go USA!
Team USA 115, Australia 86 Boxscore
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