Team USA Routs Spain by 37
Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images
The toughest matchup has come and gone, with the Americans still standing on top. Teams are learning that while the 2004 team was stacked with All-stars as well, this new generation is something different. The athleticism is leading to plenty of steals and an outrageous 32-0 fast break difference between the Spaniards and USA.
The US thrashing of Spain showed off the efficiency of the American team. From three point land, Spain shot 6 / 28 (21%) and US shot 12 / 25 (48%). The first few games USA could not knock down three point shots, but seemed to create more open looks with penetration and good ball movement in this one.
More than anything, when you shoot 58% from the floor and you hold the opponent to 39%, you are going to win. Same goes for the 28 Spain turnovers to 16 US turnovers, again because of 16 USA steals. Teams are applying pressure on the USA guards but they are getting burned, and on the other end USA is using their depth and athleticism to create turnovers and fast break points.
Maybe the worst thing to be said of USA at this point is that they have not been challenged yet. That would have been helpful going into the medal round, as the preliminaries are nearly over sans for a pointless matchup against Germany on Monday night in China. But with Spain being the top challenger, who is to say anyone will give the US a run for their money and test their mettle?
Group A and B are starting to shake out a bit, with USA clinching the top seed in the B bracket. They likely will face 4th seed Australia in Group A for the Quarterfinal matchup. Then, USA is likely to see Argentina in the Semis, and then Spain again or Lithuania in the Finals. Much is to be determined come Monday the final Preliminary day. The US and Germany's match at 8am eastern however has no bearing on the rankings.