After a tight first quarter, Team USA pulled away from Venezuela in Olympics men’s basketball action for the massive win and 2-0 start in Rio
After seeing what Team USA did against China in the opening preliminary round contest at the 2016 Rio Olympics men’s basketball competition, it’d be foolish to say that anyone at all stood a chance against them. However, it looked like an upset might be brewing on Monday evening as Venezuela came out of the gate controlling the pace and with a result no one would have ever seen coming in mind.
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From the opening tip, Venezuela looked like they were in control while the United States looked mildly disinterested at best. The underdogs were attacking more than the Americans, were controlling the pace, and doing everything that resulted in Venezuela and Team USA being tied after the first quarter.
While it was a great quarter for the Venezuelan squad, that’s where the dream of an upset came to a close.
Thanks to the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, and DeAndre Jordan all locking in and starting to go to work, Team USA finally started to show their customary energy and comfort on the floor in Rio. While Venezuela tried to hang on, they could only manage eight points in the second quarter while the United States put up 30 to go up by 22 at halftime.
Again, Venezuela definitely wasn’t about to lie down and let a thrashing commence—but they truly didn’t have a say in the matter. Paul George came off the bench and lit up the Venezuelans while the same usual suspects continued to attack when they were on the floor.
Team USA only added to their lead after every quarter until the final whistle sounded and the Americans were enjoying a 113-69 victory over Venezuela and a 2-0 start to their Olympics men’s basketball run in Rio.
Three Stars
Kevin Durant, USA — 16 points, five assists, two rebounds, one block
Paul George, USA — 20 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal
DeAndre Jordan, USA — 14 points, nine rebounds
Next Game
USA Basketball will face their toughest test of the Olympics men’s basketball competition to date on Wednesday when they take on Australia.
Venezuela also plays again on Wednesday as they’ll look for their first win still in a matchup with China.