Starting slow continues to be an issue for Team USA, but the end result was positive yet again versus Ukraine.
Another slow start, another eventual blowout win for Team USA. The Americans trailed after the first quarter against Ukraine on Thursday, but rallied over the next three quarters to complete an easy 95-71 win in the final contest of the group stage.
The victory ensures that USA is the top team in Group C and will earn an opening matchup against Mexico in the opening game of the elimination stage. It also continues a trend of poor starts for the team, but for now that narrative is being overshadowed by the team's regular second-half dominance.
Ukraine came out strong defensively on Thursday, holding the Americans to just 14 points as they carried a five-point lead into the second period. That's pretty much where the fun ended for Pooh Jeter and company, however, as they would score just 52 points over the final three quarters of the loss.
James Harden was the game's leading scorer with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, plus he added five assists, three rebounds and two steals in the win. Five other players scored in double figures, including Stephen Curry (14 points) and Anthony Davis (12 points, six rebounds).
Defense hasn't been great from USA throughout the tournament, but Ukraine was held to just 40 percent shooting while committing 17 turnovers. The Americans also won the battle on the boards, and finished with a stunning 25-8 advantage in assists.
There may be some bad news coming out of the game, however, as guard Kyrie Irving went down with a possible hip injury in the game's closing seconds. He could be seen walking gingerly to the locker room with a trainer before the buzzer sounded, and now comes the waiting game as doctors evaluate the situation.
Losing Irving would be a significant blow to the U.S. backcourt, particularly as Derrick Rose continues to shake off the rust from his extended absence. Finishing the group stage unbeaten is a plus, though, even if it was mostly expected. With or without Irving, the harder part comes next.
from SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1pOdEp2
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