Lithuania Tests US, Americans Survive 99-94

Deron Williams fires a three against Lithuania
Christian Peterson/Getty Images

Critics were saying that it would take a perfect storm to knock off the US Men's team and for three and a half quarters it looked like that storm was brewing. Lithuania shot 58% from the field and the US could not get the offense going from the three point line and the free throw line. Lithuania has always given the US fits and Saturday was no exception. Linas Kleiza lead all scorers with 25 and Martynas Pocius added 14 as the US had fits defending the Lithuanian pick and roll offense.

The Americans were coming off an Olympic record performance, scoring 156 against Olympic neophyte Nigeria but would find a stronger challenge against the Lithuanians. At no point were they out of the game staying within single digits for the vast majority of the game, their largest deficit being 12 points in the third. However, it seemed that whenever the US would make a run, Lithuania would answer right back. As an upset minded crowd chanted "Lietuva" in support of the under dogs, Paulius Jankunas made a driving lay up to take the final lead Lithuania would experience. Chris Paul would respond on the next posession with a three pointer and LeBron James would put the offense on his back in the last few minutes as part of a 17-6 run that provided the separation the US needed to win. There wasn't a feel of a secured victory until the final minute when LeBron made his last basket to provide a 9 point lead. LeBron has been focused on getting team mates involved, being a pass first leader on the team but it was apparent that his scoring ability is unrivaled as he rattled off 9 points in the final 4 minutes to secure the victory for the Americans.

The US was able to get Lithuania into foul trouble through much of the game but were uncharacteristically unable to capitalize from the line. The US shot a paltry 61% from the foul line missing 12 shots that could have put the game on ice. USA also struggled from the three point line. Before Chris Paul connected on his momentum swinging 3, the US was 2 of their previous 18. As Lithuania packed the lane, making penetration difficult, the United States became stagnant in their offense only having 13 assists in the game, far below the 32 per game average they've had through out the tournament.

Carmelo Anthony matched LeBron's 20 with 20 points of his own, continuing to show himself as a force to be reckoned with in the international game. Against Lithuania he was able to work in the post where he has been close to unstoppable and was a formidable scoring option off the bench. Also coming off the bench is Russell Westbrook who provides defensive pressure and is a lightning rod for opposing defenses. Coach K capitalized on his speed and defensive prowess  It seems like when the US needs a big shot, it comes to either Anthony or Kevin Durant.

Overall, this game was a good wake up call for the US after lambasting Nigeria by 83. Coach K will no doubt use this game as a learning experience for the team of all stars. On his twitter feed after the game Kevin Love stated that he "Needed a game like that. On to the next one." That next one is against Argentina, which has been a bit of an enigma in this tournament. No doubt though, the third ranked team in the world will give the American's a tough game as both squads prepare for the cross over rounds.

USA rewrites record books, dominate Nigeria 156-73

Anthony puts in 3 of his game high 37 against Nigeria
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images

Kobe Bryant summed up Nigeria's night in one simple statement. "When we get hot, it's a big problem." Nigeria definitely had a big problem as the USA team shot out of the gate and before Nigeria realized what happened it was 13-0, an opening barrage that set the tone and one that Nigeria would not bounce back from. The 13-0 run to open the game featured three shots from deep coming from Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant. Kobe, who had been fairly quiet in this Olympiad come out firing on all cylinders scoring 14 of his 16 in the first quarter, those points punctuated by a steal and reverse slam on the break. One reason Team USA was able to connect on the record setting 29 makes from behind the line could have a lot to do with their ability to penetrate the Nigerian defense. In previous affairs, the US team has settled for deep looks at the basket without getting into a good flow on offense. However, against Nigeria they were able to penetrate for high percentage looks at the rim or kick out to a waiting sniper when the defense collapsed.

The US team had been hindered by slow starts in both of their previous Olympic match ups, and they seemed to be making a concerted effort to not make that three in a row. In both of those games the United States were 0-12 from deep but flipped the script against Nigeria converting on 11 of 14 from behind the three point line in the first quarter alone. Typically in the Olympics so far, coach K has had to resort to his second unit of "shock troops" in Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook to turn up the heat on opposing teams to turn the momentum towards the US team. Things were different against Nigeria as the game was already in hand against Nigeria when they made their way into the game for the first time. The tempo though did not slow down as the US would score 49 points in the first quarter. They would not need to score again in the first half to still maintain a lead against an over matched Nigerian team.

When all was said and down the final score showed the US more than doubling up the Nigerians and seemed to put the rest of the teams competing in pool A on notice. Every member of the US national team scored and Carmelo Anthony lead all scorer with 37 including a staggering 10-12 from deep in only 14 minutes of play. Anthony has been on an absolute tear in international play, showing his mid range game and outside shooting to be a perfect compliment to Durant's outside game and LeBron's ability to get to the hoop. Of the 59 baskets the Americans made, they had 41 assists which is a stellar ratio but is even more staggering when it's looked at as an assist to turn over ration. Only turning the ball over 7 times, it gave the US a ratio of nearly 6:1 which shows how well they take care of the ball while sharing it with one another.

Conversely, the Nigerians turned the ball over 24 times which while the US defense has been a force in this Olympiad, it's just not going to cut it when you're trying to face the team of all stars. Ike Diagu lead the Nigerian team with 27 of his own but only one of his team mates would tally more than 10 points in Chamberlain Oguchi who scored 11 in 20 minutes on the floor. The Nigerian team are making their first appearance in the Olympics as a basketball team and tallied their first win against African champion Tunisia but since have fallen to Lithuania and now the United States. After facing the US, the Nigerians only get a little bit of a reprieve as they must face Argentina next who are ranked #3 in the world. The US must face Lithuania who defeated the same Nigerian team by 19 points.

When asked about what the scoring record meant to the team, veteran Bryant stated "It’s a part of history. We understand that there have been a lot of great teams that have come through here and I think it was just kind of an acknowledgment to each other that it was a job well done in terms of being a part of it."

LeBron Leads Team USA Over Brazil 80-69

LeBron James slams home 2 of his 30 points against Brazil
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

"[I]f we win the gold medal, it will be because of how well we play defensively. To win this game like that I think is a good learning experience for our group.” Coach Krzyzewski commented after the United States defeated Brazil 80-69. It certainly was a good experience for Team USA. After decimating an over matched Dominican squad the US team played in front of a sold out Verizon Center in the nation's capital and also President Barack Obama. The last time these two clubs locked horns the United States came away with a 2 point win that came down to the wire and early on the Brazilians made it clear that the Americans were going to have to work for their victory.

Behind the sublime play of point guard Marcelo Machado, Brazil took a 27-17 lead at the end of the first quarter and showed that it wasn't going to be an easy walk through exhibition for USA. Brazil boasts 4 NBA players in Leandro Barbosa, Anderson Varejao, Nene and Tiago Splitter and they made their presence felt early on controlling the inside and forcing the United States to shoot primarily from the outside. In the first half the US was a paltry 1-12 from behind the arc. However, when the second half began, Russel Westbrook provided a spark that team USA would ride for the rest of the game, forcing multiple turnovers. Team USA would go into half with a small lead after a 20-5 second quarter. The story of the game was how the United States could turn up the pressure on defense to suffocate and frustrate point guards and down under the basket in the much more physical FIBA game.

 LeBron James was a key proponent of the American defense which lead to many fast break buckets as they turned the tide going into the second half.  For the game, the United States forced 23 turnovers and turned that into 28 big points. Despite the rebounding discrepancy from Brazil to the US (38-30) the US topped Brazil in second chance points 13-5. In the second half the teams traded blows like a pair of heavyweight contenders matching nearly basket for basket. LeBron James though simply would not let the US drop this one scoring 17 of his game high 30 in the second half. After the half time deficit the closest Brazil would get is 6 points but all hopes of a comeback win were dashed by LeBron James hitting a three pointer, stealing the ball, and hitting another 3 in transition. After a pair of free throws in the final minute the game had it's final tally, 80-69. Brazil battled the entire game and it seemed like at no point were they out of the game. If they continue to play the way they did against the Americans it's possible that the Brazilians could find themselves medalling in the Olympics something that hasn't happened since 1964.

Commenting further about the defense Coach K stated, "I felt our defense won the game. I thought it was outstanding for three quarters, especially since we didn't hit shots and we missed a lot of dunks. I liked the mental toughness of our team. We kept reminding them we're not doing it on offense, don't let it affect defense. I thought it didn't." One thing that plagued team USA for a second game was coming out with a slow start. When they go up against the likes of Argentina and Spain they are going to have to put together a full 40. Their next chance to do that will be in England as they face the British national team on 7/19 their third of five exhibitions before the torch is lit in London.

USA Leaves No Doubt Against Dominicans 113-59

LeBron James looks to get his team mates in the act against Dominican Republic
Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau

With all the news stories about a fantasy match up between the Dream Team and the 2012 US team, it was almost lost that Team USA played a real game against a live opponent Thursday. The US national team opened up against the Dominican Republic in their first of five exhibitions before the Olympics begin. Kevin Durant lead all scorers with 24 and Andre Iguodala added 18 as the Americans ran up and down the floor putting on a show against the Dominicans. The US trailed only once at 4-2 and never looked back. The game was well in hand in the 3rd quarter and their lead swelled to as much as 54 points as the Americans stifling defense forced 25 turnovers and used that defensive pressure to pull away. With the win, the US national team improved to 50-1 under head coach Krzyzewsi. Their only loss in that time came against a Greece team which they later defeated in the medal round.

The starters, including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James saw limited action in the win as they allowed the reserves carry much of the weight. One reserve they didn't have for the game, was Blake Griffin. Griffin flew back from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and discovered that he has a torn meniscus. Griffin is going to miss the Olympics but plans to be back for the next NBA season. As the starters sat back and watched, Kevin Durant put on a scoring clinic, scoring 21 points in the first half and connected on his first 4 three point shots.In the FIBA game, the 3 point line is closer than in the NBA so to all the NBA players around the world, a 3 point jumper is little more than a mid range jumper. The rest of the national team followed suit as the US went 13 for 33 from down town.

One of those 3 pointers came from an unexpected source. Anthony Davis, rookie center for New Orleans was called up to replace the injured Griffin hit a three pointer near the end of the game, after Davis made the shot and got fouled he got up and taunted Dominican coach and his former coach John Calipari. It was a light hearted exchange that punctuated a dominant performance from the Americans. The US showed how dangerous their whole roster can be as they had 27 assists on 42 baskets and shot a torrid 56% from the field. On the other side of the ball, the defense kept the Dominicans to 31% from the field. Facing the US national team and all of it's NBA superstars will be a challenge for any team but especially so when the finest NBA product on your roster goes 1-12 from the field and only tallies 7 points. That stat line belongs to Al Horford, currently a member of the Atlanta Hawks.

The US is the top ranked team in the world and are set for the Olympics. The next team the face will be Brazil which boasts a little more NBA level talent. Many people are saying that the Brazilians could be a sleeper and make some serious noise this year in pool play, so they aren't a team that USA can just show up and expect to beat. Coach K's style as coach would not indicate that Team USA would take any game for granted but it's definitely too early to start reading press clippings, even after a 54 point rout.

The only particular weakness that the US showed was a slow start in the first quarter. They simply won't be able to do that against teams like Spain and Argentina. If they do, they could find themselves in a fight they don't want to be in. Even though they started slow, USA used their speedy pace of fast break basketball to force opponents into mistakes and eventually pull away, a strategy that could pay them dividends in pool play. Team USA is going to have to wait for a better opponent to show what they are really made of but experience is definitely on their side. The squad boasts 5 returning players from the 2008 Beijing games and 5 more from the World Championship winning team from 2010.

Lost in the Linsanity: An Editorial

This is Jeremy Lin, that's all that's going on in sports. Right?
(Reuters/ Mike Segar)

Right now, you can't turn on the television or radio without hearing about Jeremy Lin. The Harvard graduate has taken the sports world by storm and has done so at a very opportune time. Let me just say that I am Linsane in the membrane. I'm Rush Linbaugh. This time of year, the sports world is starving for stories and Jeremy Lin has been what is holding the 24 hour sports cycle together. Lin is a special talent and I will say my piece on him, but here is what you may be missing in the world of sports if all you hear is Jeremy Lin.


Red Wings Dominate at Home
The Detroit Red Wings have not lost a game at home since November 3rd. The Wings have rattled off 23 consecutive wins and go for #24 tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. While turning Joe Louis Arena into Fort Neverlose, the Red Wings have earned the best record in hockey. Their home winning streak has been a big part of that as on the road, Detroit is a sub .500 team. It will be interesting to see if they can continue their winning ways without the continued services of assist leader, Pavel Datsyuk.

Coming into town, the Canucks boast a great road record, 20-10-2. Vancouver will be the toughest test in JLA until the Chicago Blackhawks come back into town. If they make it to that point with the home winning streak still in tact, the Wings will attempt to set the all time record for most consecutive home wins across sports against the last team to beat them.

Hope Springs Eternal at Spring Training
Pitchers and catchers have already reported to baseball's spring training and the rest of the players are filtering in. All eyes will be on newcomers such as Yu Darvish, but what interests me is the players trying to make another run at one last summer in the sun.

49 year old Jamie Moyer is trying to get on with the Colorado Rockies. Moyer has 260 wins on his career and feels he can contribute both on and off the field. He's going to have a chance to make it, as the pitching staff for the Rockies are comprised of mostly new faces from the off season. According to the Washington Post, Moyer has already been establishing himself as a clubhouse leader, teaching the former American league pitchers on staff the nuances of hitting and bunting.

In the American League, making a less auspicious return is Manny Ramirez. General Manager Billy Beane haas described the signing of Ramirez as "low risk" but critics haven't been as kind to the signing. ManRam's best years are behind him and he still must serve a 50 game suspension from his positive PED test. The signing is nothing new in the home of Moneyball where aging sluggers have spent their last seasons, often without impact on the roster.

Heat Leading the League
Even within the same league, there are stories that are being missed in the Linsanity. The Miami Heat are playing great basketball and it seems the chemistry between the big three is working. They are tied for the best record in the league with the Oklahoma City Thunder at a 26-7 mark. The two squads look like they are in an early collision course in the Finals.

The only teams that look like they could challenge the Heat and Thunder respectively are the Bulls and the Spurs. The Spurs themselves have put on quite a winning streak, at one point rattling off 11 consecutive victories to propel themselves to the top of their division. Tony Parker has been unconscious, leading the aging roster on one last journey against time and trying to get to the Finals, themselves. This could be the effect of the lockout shortened season benefiting the teams who had established chemistry over the years and know how to rev themselves up to make a run.

The Bulls, lead by reigning MVP Derrick Rose go into the break with a 5 game lead on the second place Pacers. The Bulls lost a close one against the Heat in their first match up on the road. The teams have three more meetings in what will decide who the king of the East is going into the playoffs.


Finally, Jeremy Lin
A lot has already been said about Jeremy Lin. I haven't watched many of his games but from what I've seen, I know this. The guy can play ball. The biggest knock on him so far is that he turns the ball over too much. In his 10 games he has had 56 turnovers which is most ever for a player in their first ten games. However, stats don't matter. Wins do. The Knicks are shooting 15% better from the floor when he's out there and they are winning games. Before Lin, the Knicks were looking at the lottery once again but with him at the helm, they are in the playoffs at the midway point.

Now that Carmelo Anthony has returned, I would expect Lin's production to go down some but overall I think his return will be good for the Knicks in the long run. Anthony provides something that no one else on the team can. Anthony is a strong player and can get to the rim out of his small forward position. What separates him from his teammates is his willingness to create difficult points, especially late in games. I think that with Anthony back in the lineup, the Knicks can make some serious noise moving into the second half of the season. Right now, New York is the hottest team in their division and if they continue to play like they have been playing the past 3 weeks, they will win the Atlantic Division.

I Was Wrong: An editorial

[Note from the writer: I apologize to my readers for not posting for a month or so. I have been dealing with some personal issues that have kept me from writing. That being said, thank you for checking back and I look forward to producing quality writing moving forward.]

There comes a time when a journalist has to become accountable for their words. It's an interesting concept, I'm far from a recognized expert but I still consider myself a solid, valuable voice of reason in the world of sports. Since I never wrote anything down it would be easy for me to take the easy way out and say that I had Dallas the whole way, but that would neither be honest, or right. I made a prediction about the NBA finals and I was 100% wrong.

Looking at the finals on paper, I gave more value to individual talents than I did to the concept of team and vision. Basketball is a game unlike any other where one player can be the difference and change a game, team or series. I submit two examples, both of them ended up facing one another in the finals this year, Le Bron James and Dirk Nowitzki. Last Season the Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record in the league, Le Bron infamously left his hometown last summer and with out that one player, the team went from first to worst. Last season, Cleveland was sniffing at the finals, this year they're #1 in the lottery. That is a remarkable effect on a team generated by one player. Cleveland went from 61 wins in the 09-10 campaign to 19 this previous season. It's reasonable to come to the conclusion that the presence of Le Bron James accounted for 42 wins. An effect unseen since Jordan retired the first time.

Hands down, the MVP of the playoffs was Dirk Nowitzki. The leadership he provided and with every clutch shot he hit, it became more and more obvious that he was hitting his stride at the perfect time, put the Mavericks on his back and carried them to the Larry O'Brien trophy. It may sound obvious but without Dirk, the Mavericks don't get past Portland in the first round, let a lone win the whole thing. Yet, this is my point, the drive, leadership and determination exuded by Nowitzki carried his team to the title. He had help, don't get me wrong. Marion locked down James and the role players hit big shots down the stretch but Dirk was the best player on the floor when he had to be and Dallas has their first championship because of it.

This being said, I looked at what Wade, James and Bosh had done together as a squad in the Olympics and it made me believe that Dallas would be lucky to mop the floor after the Heat walked away with the series. Miami was a more talented squad, but Dallas was the better team. When it came down to it, no matter how big of a run Miami went on , no matter how much they were up by early, Dallas would chip away at the lead and be in striking distance down the stretch. The last 5 minutes belonged to Dirk Nowitzki and it seemed like he hit another gear when it came down to it. Personally, I have never liked Dirk but throughout these playoffs, I will say it again; he was the best player on the floor.

In summation, I was wrong about several things in the playoffs. I thought a Miami win was a sure thing. I guess that's why they play the games and why I ask sports in the first place. You never know.

Miami Uses Late Run to Burn Celtics

Mario Chalmers scored only three points against Boston Tuesday night, but they may have been the most important three points of the game. Boston had started the fourth on a 13-6 run to tie the game and looked to swing the momentum their way until Chalmers connected from deep to stop the run.

Wade rises for a jumper of Paul Pierce. Wade scored 28 in Miami's win Tuesday night.
(Photo Credit : Issac Baldizon)

Miami never looked back. Chalmers ignited a 14-0 run which put the competitive contest into the win column for the home town Heat. Jermaine O'Neal came close to stopping the run but his slam dunk attempt was partially blocked by Joel Anthony leading to a long jumper from LeBron James. Boston quickly called a timeout but the damage had already been done. The Celtics got no closer than 8 and now must return home to TD Ameritrade Garden with a 2-0 deficit, the first the squad has faced since Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined Paul Pierce. In the storied history of Boston basketball, this marks only the ninth time the Celtics have fallen behind 2-0. The only time Boston has come back to win was in 1969 when Bill Russel lead them to the title against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Both teams feature a trio of all stars but the production discrepancy has been staggering. In two games, Miami Thrice has outscored the Boston Three Party 80-36 and are shooting 49.1 from the field compared to 39.5 for the visitors. For Boston to contend in this series they are going to have to get more production from their big 3. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for only 20 points before each of them left with injuries; a strained left Achilles and a bruised chest cavity, respectively.

Miami seems to be peaking at just the right time and are looking to be the aggressors in the series while Boston has never quite been the same team since Kendrick Perkins was traded to Oklahoma City. Perkins provided a staunch inside presence that seems to be missing as the Heat continue to attack the basket and get to the free throw line.

Still, Allen isn't worried, "Being down 2-0 doesn't scare any of us, doesn't make us nervous," Allen said. "It's just an opportunity to come out shining." Frankly, he's right. There isn't a more seasoned and battle tested team in the Eastern conference and playing at home they have the opportunity to claw their way back into the series. Still, it will be an arduous task for Boston, needing to win 4 out of their next 5 to advance. They accomplished that same task twice last year, but neither of those teams were this year's Miami Heat.

Allen's sense of urgency isn't lost on coach Doc Rivers who stated "We've got a third game and we've got to take care of that. Whatever the past is, it is. They've won two games at home. But we can't allow them to play like this, or it's going to be tough at our place." The Celtics are in a must win situation Saturday night whether they want to view it as such or not. The Celtics were 33-8 at home this last season and the friendly confines yield them 3 in a row. Boston should be rocking as they welcome their team and try to shift the momentum back their way.