USABMT Clinches Group C With 106-71 Win Over Dominican Republic
Team USA will go into their final game before the round of 16 in the 2014 FIBA World Cup this weekend undefeated, and after their 106-71 blowout win against Dominican Republic today, they have clinched Group C with a 4-0 record. Kenneth Faried led with 16 points and eight rebounds along with four others that scored in double figures. All members of Team USA scored for the second straight game.
Not unlike most games for USA in the tournament, particularly against Turkey, a somewhat slow start defensively had them up only 25-22 after the first quarter against Dominican Republic. But the second quarter created separation for Team USA with a 31-19 advantage, plus a 22-0 run that ran through the third and fourth quarters.
So far, the story for Team USA’s opponents — Slovenia, Turkey, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, has been the mere inability to keep up with the talent and athleticism of the USA roster. USA’s advantage comes from that endurance, of which the source has undoubtedly been Kenneth Faried, and also their depth at each position. Still, Anthony Davis has shined the brightest on the interior beside Faried on both ends of the floor. You really felt it when things got rough against Turkey and Davis scored all 19 of his points in the second half. He’s their best player and they will continue to play through him.
One of the popular sub stories is Derrick Rose’s minutes and comfort level. Though he’s been somewhat limited, he is rotating with a playmaking flurry of a guard core in James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry, all of whom are eligible to play point guard. For now Rose has been sufficient as the USA spark plug to put the entire defense on their heels with his speed, which he definitely still has.
Other assets such as Klay Thompson, a sniper of a shooter and a forceful defender, DeMar Derozan and Rudy Gay — athletes that create match up problems in the half court and open floor, and back up big DeMarcus Cousins are contributive with their minutes. Mike Krzyzewski uses his bench and it’s exhausting for other teams.
Team USA has one game left before the knockout stage against Ukraine on Thursday.
