Showing posts with label Lithuania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lithuania. Show all posts

Report Card: USA 99, Lithuania 94


Steve Pierce | Saturday, August 04, 2012
  USA  99                      Final                      94   Lithuania  

STARTERS

Chris Paul, G
3-9 FG | 1-4 3PT | 0-0 FT | 7 REB | 6 AST | 7 PTS
Paul's shooting woes continued in this one, but I liked that he was aggressive in looking for his shot and to set up his teammates. It felt like he was in control of the offense more than at any point thus far. Plus, his perimeter defense was stifling.
Kobe Bryant, G
1-7 FG | 0-3 3PT | 4-5 FT | 2 REB | 1 AST | 6 PTS
It finally happened — Kobe went Hero Ball on us. With Team USA struggling offensively, Kobe attempted to take control by hoisting several tough, contested jumpers. With this many offensive talents on the court, those just aren't smart shots, even for him.
Kevin Durant, F
5-12 FG | 4-7 3PT | 2-2 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 16 PTS
KD shot the ball well from deep, but he seems too passive and reliant on others to create quality looks. He isn't looking to attack toward the basket consistently, so he isn't in rhythm when he does so. I love his spot-up shooting, but I'd want more aggression.
LeBron James, F
9-14 FG | 1-4 3PT | 1-2 FT | 5 REB | 0 AST | 20 PTS
When LeBron decides he wants to get to the rim, nobody in the world can stop him. Case in point? The last two minutes of this game. Team USA needed a savior, and James stepped in and took over. Now if he would just play that way more often...
Tyson Chandler, C
0-0 FG | 0-0 3PT | 1-4 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 1 PTS
On possession after possession in the second half, Coach K's small lineup got beat on the perimeter, allowing Lithuania to penetrate at will. The problem? No rim-protecting presence behind them. Someone please explain how Chandler is only getting 8 minutes.