Kobe and LeBron lead USA Basketball to victories over Brazil and Mexico.
In what was expected to be one of the toughest match-ups of the FIBA tournament, Team USA showed it was back to dominant form, imposing its will on a solid Brazilian squad. Powered by 21 points and 5 assists from LeBron James, the US fought through a tough first quarter before charging on to a 47 point lead at the end of the third quarter. Brazil fought back against the US bench in the 4th, but the game wasn’t really close. Kobe Bryant again displayed his dedication to defense, locking down lightning-quick Leandro Barbosa, while adding in 20 points in twenty minutes. Sharpshooter Michael Redd had 16 points, while Jason Kidd and Deron Williams contributed with 5 dimes apiece.
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USA 127 – MEXICO 100
Team USA started the game strong against our neighbors from the south, hitting 80% of their shots from the field. But the cooled off quickly, missing 12 of the next 19 shots and allowing Mexico to hang around. The rest of the game was a display of renewed perseverance on the part of Team USA. The result: another first round blowout. LeBron hit 3 of 3 from downtown, tallying 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Not to be outshined, Kobe poured in 21 points in 24 minutes, while Kidd was true to form, dishing out a team high 7 assists. Team USA looks strong as they march on to round two.
