USA Dominates Greece in Payback Win
Heading into the 2008 Olympics I still had my doubts about the “Redeem Team” and their quest for the gold medal. Following back-to-back wins against China and Angola those doubts grew bigger as team USA cruised to easy wins but still showed several of the same issues that had led to their losses in the 2006 World Championship and 04 Olympics.
So when I woke up this morning and turned the TV on at 8:00am I was very interested to see how Team USA would perform against a medal contending team in Greece. As I walked out the door to head into the office at halftime every doubt that I had about this team had basically disappeared and here are the two main reasons why.
Defense: Two years ago I watched this Greece team run circles around the Team USA defense to the tune of 101 points. In that game the Greeks were able to get whatever they wanted on every possession, shooting over 60% from the field in the win. Today the ball hawking USA defense frustrated the Greeks into 25 turnovers and countless deflections which completely took Greece of their offense. Team USA held Greece to just 4 of 18 shooting from behind the line and 41% from the field.
Playing through adversity: In 2006 and in 2004 when the USA fell behind in a game, whether it was in the first quarter or the third quarter there was a sense of panic with the team. So When Jason Kidd picked up three very questionable fouls the first 85 seconds followed by a Kobe Bryant “Intentional” foul, it looked as though Team USA was in for a long night. However, while previous teams might have panicked at the officiating, the “Redeem Team” took out their anger and frustration on the Greeks, outscoring them 11-3 over the final four minutes of the first quarter. The USA would continue the momentum in the 2nd quarter allowing them to take a 51-32 lead into the half. This won’t be the last time that Team USA faces adversity in the tournament especially with their biggest foe Spain coming up next, but if they can fight through tough stretches like they did today this team just might be unstoppable.
Despite the win Team USA still has a couple issues that need to be resolved with the top two on the list being free-throw shooting and three-point shooting. For the third straight game Team USA struggled from the outside making just 7 of 20 three-pointers while also going just 13 of 23 from the FT line.
Against a team like Spain the Americans must make every opportunity count and making free throws will be very important if its a close game in the final minutes.
Team USA will take on Spain on Saturday at 10:15 am.
Posted: August 14th, 2008 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from neal
Time August 14, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Looks like Team USA is totally focused and serious this time. Who was favored going in?
Comment from SportzWiz
Time August 14, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Team USA was the favorites going in. And had u told me i had to pick I would’ve said the USA but thats because im not convinced of any other team. Saturday will be a bigger test though, Spain won the world championships in 06.
Comment from WizardsDotCom
Time August 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Excellent point SportsWiz – the biggest thing that I’ve noticed about this team is their focus. To their credit, this is the first team to arrive at a Summer Games knowing that winning the Gold would require work. Nothing against the teams of ’92, ’96 and ’00 (although the ’00 team barely got out of a semi-final game vs. Lithuania, the talent disparity was still wide enough to overcome). However, in defense of the ’04 players, that team was just not prepared enough both mentally and as a unit to compete with the rest of the world. Yesterday’s game versus Greece shows that USA Basketball’s three-year plan is working, and will likely continue to be necessary if they want to continue their dominance in future World Competition.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time August 15, 2008 at 12:30 PM
The Ron Artest deal was finally made official today….sorry I couldnt get the link to post, it’s on the homepage of NBA.com though. I think this will be a very good trade for the Rockets because now it will give more depth at the 2 and 3 positions, and Artest will probably bring some defensive power for those positions as well…..something theyve been lacking aside from T-Mac. I don’t think Artest is gonna have problems with T-mac or even Yao for that matter on scoring possessions because Artest is more defensive oriented and only scores when really needed or when hes on a streak. I also think this will be good for Sean Singletary as well because Houston is a team that has good guards and I think he will learn more from them than he would have with the Kings….I think he will end up like DJ Strawberry…. starting off on a team that has depth with guards, not get alot of minutes, but towards the end of the season will have really improved and seen more playing time.
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time August 15, 2008 at 1:09 PM
In response to an earlier posted topic, I don’t think Artest’s jersey is going to sell in China. It’s just a hunch.
Back to Team USA. DWade does look awesome, as Sportzwiz mentioned. If he plays this season with his Olympic intensity, the Heat is going to be one of those not-so-good teams that beat good teams. The Wiz can’t sleepwalk against Miami like they did last season.
Is it me or does Team USA still rely on getting easy baskets (like layups and dunks) to beat opponents instead of focusing on perimeter shooting and understanding the FIBA trapezoid? Granted, this team’s defense is far better than the 2006 travesty, but still. I thought the 3 year committment to the national program was supposed to highlight these ideas.
Lastly, I find it humorous the Olympics listed Jose Calderon as a F(orward). And any updates on Songaila’s back? He missed the chance to play for Team Lithuania a 3rd time due to back issues weeks ago.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time August 15, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Songaila has been back in the usa for a few weeks now and has been around the Wizards facility. I will see if I can get any more information than that.
Comment from neal
Time August 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM
I’m kinda glad he’s not playing for Lithuania this summer, but I really hope the back thing doesn’t linger. He’ll be an important cog if either Blatche or McGuire don’t play well.
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Comment from AUNDRA
Time August 14, 2008 at 2:56 PM
GREAT JOB TEAM USA WE NEED MORE GOLD METALS FROM BOTH THE MEN AND WOMEN ALSO MICHAEL PHELPS. CHINA IS ABOUT TO BECOME THE COUNTRY TO BEAT WITH ALL THOSE GOLD METALS SO JUST WIN AND BRING HOME THAT USA FLAG WITH PRIDE AND CONFIDENCE!