Aug

16

Team USA On Solid Pathway To Gold Beat Spain 119-82 Now 4-0

Posted by Jeff Sack under Slam Dunk Olympics Central 

As I have written many times on these pages; cliches are cliches for a reason, they are true! Take for example “that’s why they play the games.”? As any long time observer of sports can tell you, there is no such thing as a guaranteed victory. There are far too many variables, injuries, illness, an off game by a key player, or a crucial mistake down the stretch, can change the results of even the most lopsided match-up.

That being said, the 2008 Team USA?Olympic Men’s Basketball squad nicknamed?the “Redeem Team” are now halfway to accomplishing their mission. To not only win the Gold Medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but to restore the United States reputation as the top players?on the planet! They took a huge step to accomplishing that goal Saturday as they dominated Spain 119-82. Team USA is now 4-0. It was the first defeat for the Spanish squad who are?now 1-3.

Team USA wanted to send a?message in this game, and it came out loud and clear. No more games, we are serious as a heart attack,?we are on a mission, and we will do what ever it takes to accomplish it! The Americans came out of the gates with that attitude, and maintained it throughout in the contest against Spain. Combine that with a shower of treys, as they shot 48.0% (12-25) from outside the arc and 57.9% (44-66) from the floor for the game you come away with a pretty convincing victory.

The United States started of the game hot offensively as they led 31-22 at the end of the first quarter. Spain never really regained their composure, as they trailed 61-44 at the half. It only went downhill for the Spanish team from their as it was an 86-62 contest at the end of three quarters. Team USA could have just glided home to victory in the final period but scored an additional 33 points, to drive their message home.

One player who was seriously on a mission in this game was LeBron James?who led Team USA with 18 points, one of eight Americans to score in double figures in the game. LBJ also contributed 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and played stellar defense, at times making Spain’s center Pau Gasol look disoriented?out on the floor. Carmelo Anthony scored 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1?steal, Dwyane Wade not only has been a huge factor in every game for Team USA, he probably sells more season ticket packages for the Miami Heat in each game he plays in!? Wade also scored 16 points?coming off the pine, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, Chris Paul took advantage of the extra minutes, and scored 14 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals.? Kobe Bryant scored 11 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, Deron Williams, also scored 11 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds.? Dwight Howard scored 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, Tayshaun Prince also scored 10 points, 1 steal, 1 assist, 1 rebound.

Felipe Reyes led all scorers?as the forward from Spain scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, 1 assist. Pau Gasol scored 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steal, in the loss.? Team USA? will next play Monday against the Germans.

? Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net



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