maddogchen
Diamond Member
Overall I thought the US played much better defense in this game. We pressured their ballhandlers and got many turnovers and steals. Too bad we couldn't play solid defense through the entire game, there were still too many times where a lithuanian player was wide open with no one near him.
we were outshot beyond the 3 point line and missed all our 3 pointers in the first half. Luckily we started taking and making them in the second half and won the game. It didn't even seem like they wanted to shoot 3s in the first half, we would work hard to get a 2 and then Lithuania would set a screen and get a 3. It was only turnovers and good D that helped us take a lead in the first half.
There were some bad calls on Duncan. He looked extremely upset at the handcheck fouls called on him. He couldn't get into a rhythm for the game and didn't play that much. After the game he hinted that he might be so fed up with the international rules that he might not play anymore international ball. Now that would be real bad news for team USA.
The coaches gave the youngsters more playing time today and here's my review of them.
our youngsters:
Lebron- 7/10 wonderful passing but not as good defense. Didn't get his hands up on some perimeter shooters and allowed them to hit the 3.
D. Wade- 2/10 horrible just horrible. Was so hesitant shooting, always looked to pass and forced the turnover. almost gave the game away when he was on the court.
Carmelo- 4/10 some bad shot selection including an air ball that led to a fast play for Lith, but had some good steals on defense.
we were outshot beyond the 3 point line and missed all our 3 pointers in the first half. Luckily we started taking and making them in the second half and won the game. It didn't even seem like they wanted to shoot 3s in the first half, we would work hard to get a 2 and then Lithuania would set a screen and get a 3. It was only turnovers and good D that helped us take a lead in the first half.
There were some bad calls on Duncan. He looked extremely upset at the handcheck fouls called on him. He couldn't get into a rhythm for the game and didn't play that much. After the game he hinted that he might be so fed up with the international rules that he might not play anymore international ball. Now that would be real bad news for team USA.
The coaches gave the youngsters more playing time today and here's my review of them.
our youngsters:
Lebron- 7/10 wonderful passing but not as good defense. Didn't get his hands up on some perimeter shooters and allowed them to hit the 3.
D. Wade- 2/10 horrible just horrible. Was so hesitant shooting, always looked to pass and forced the turnover. almost gave the game away when he was on the court.
Carmelo- 4/10 some bad shot selection including an air ball that led to a fast play for Lith, but had some good steals on defense.
