Spain is no match for US
BEIJING - The United States men's basketball team is sending a powerful message to the rest of the world.
The Americans improved to 4-0 in Group B action with a 119-82 statement victory over Spain last night at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium. With the blowout of a team widely considered the second-best in the Olympics, the US clinched the top seed in Group B.
Spain (3-1), winner of the 2006 World Championships, had defeated its foes by 12.6 points per contest.
"Every game we play, we try to make a statement," said US forward Carmelo Anthony, who scored 16 points and nailed a game-high four 3-pointers, "just to let the world know that this time around, we're here to play. We've got the guys on the team, we've got the players, and there's no excuse for us."
Said guard Chris Paul, "We are trying to make a statement every game. Winning is not enough."
This US squad has been nicknamed the Redeem Team because it's hoping to win the country's first gold medal in men's basketball since the 2000 Olympics and reestablish world dominance. But the stellar play thus far - from the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and others - is reminiscent of the dominant Dream Team that won gold 16 years ago behind Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson.
The Americans have won by an average of 28 points per game, relying on smothering defense (74.2 points per game) and unstoppable offense (102.3 points per game). The US not only crushed Spain but also avenged a 2006 World Championships semifinal upset by the Greeks by hammering them two days earlier, 92-69.
"We feel we have had good competition," US coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "The last two ballgames, Spain and Greece are two of the top teams in the world. I think our guys have played well in both games." The US will very likely face Australia in the quarterfinals Wednesday and could potentially face 2004 Olympic gold medalist Argentina (3-1) in the semifinals. The Americans are 12-0 all-time against Australia but defeated the Aussies (without Bucks center Andrew Bogut) by only an 87-76 score in Shanghai in its third exhibition game in four days Aug. 5. Australia (2-2) finishes preliminary action in Group A against Lithuania tomorrow.
US center Dwight Howard said the team has been focused on dominating every night since winning the FIBA Americas Championship last year. When asked what can stop the US from getting a gold medal, Howard said, "Ourselves. That's the only obstacle I think we have. We have to stay humble, and if we play the way we've been playing, so hard, we should win."
The US completes preliminary Group B action against Germany (1-3), which has been eliminated from medal contention. The Germans have two NBA standouts in Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavericks and Clippers center Chris
"It does mean something," said Howard. "We are trying to get a gold medal. Each game is very important to us, no matter who we play. We're not going to overlook Germany."
Said Paul, "We only have eight games while we are over here. That's the way we look at it. We won four and we have eight. I'm trying to enjoy each game as much as possible." 