US defeats Russia

[tornado]

Much of this game Russia either played right with the US or as they did in a crucial stretch late in the game - significantly outplayed the Americans.
Final score 89-79.. but the outcome wasn't assured until the final few minutes...

A couple other observations - large expanses of empty seats, yet the press area was packed and overflowing -- there was major worldwide interest in this US/Russia matchup but I guess the Turks didn't care so much.

Durant is a real stud and can score almost at will, then Rose, EJ, and Russell Westbrook played well...but not consistently and many defensive lapses caught the US giving up wide open slams, 3-pointers, and screen & rolls.

Had the Russians shot just a little better than their 30% from deep, they would have had the Americans on the rope.

One question I have is who picked these guys?? Was there NOBODY better than Kevin Love and Stephen Curry available....I like those guys but they are simply not helping the US team at this level of competition.

http://espn.go.com/extra/fiba/recap?gameId=300911917

[BradleyBrave]

Much of this game Russia either played right with the US or as they did in a crucial stretch late in the game - significantly outplayed the Americans.
Final score 89-79.. but the outcome wasn't assured until the final few minutes...

A couple other observations - large expanses of empty seats, yet the press area was packed and overflowing -- there was major worldwide interest in this US/Russia matchup but I guess the Turks didn't care so much.

Durant is a real stud and can score almost at will, then Rose, EJ, and Russell Westbrook played well...but not consistently and many defensive lapses caught the US giving up wide open slams, 3-pointers, and screen & rolls.

Had the Russians shot just a little better than their 30% from deep, they would have had the Americans on the rope.

One question I have is who picked these guys?? Was there NOBODY better than Kevin Love and Stephen Curry available....I like those guys but they are simply not helping the US team at this level of competition.
http://espn.go.com/extra/fiba/recap?gameId=300911917

First, no not really. Most of the big names sat this one out. Too busy taking their talents to South Beach.

Second, Love has been a contributor in games during this run. His fundamental style fits the international game nicely. Curry's game fits the international style of basketball as well. And who knows, maybe there was some sort of verbal agreement with Steph if he could get his brother to transfer to Duke.

[SFP]

I watched most of the 3rd Quarter and it just looked like the team never could offensively get it going. The D looked great though! Russia was the biggest team remaining in the tournament and the US team should be able to match up better. When you have Odom starting as your 5 you know that this team is under-sized a bit.

[Beninator]

Did anyone see the article about the Russian coach, who is an American, who basically stated that the officiating in the 1972 Olympic Basketball gold medal game was correct? Unbelievable!

[Da Coach]

I liked the response from coach Mike Krzyzewski-

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dimelive-100909/daily-dime-live

[ser_solace]

Team USA plays Lithuania today at 11:00 a.m. central time on ESPN3 (on-line) or ESPN Classic.

Was hoping the USA would get a chance to play Spain or Greece again but doesn't look to be the case. Would be awesome to see USA play Turkey in the finals though since the games are in Turkey. Might be a rocking arena.

[mexicobufan]

The championship game is today at 12:30 on ESPN? They play Turkey from what I read. Is this correct?

[Da Coach]

The championship game is today at 12:30 on ESPN? They play Turkey from what I read. Is this correct?

I think the USA-Turkey game is at 1:30 pm Central time on ESPN-

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jack_mccallum/09/11/usa.turkey/

the 3rd place game starts at 11:00 am Central on ESPN Classic.