Team USA beat Brazil, 113-76, and is in the midst of a 4-0 run in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Las Vegas. Brazil was considered to be the toughest test thus far for the U.S., as they had three NBA-caliber players in Leandro Barbosa, Nene and Tiago Splitter. Kobe Bryant was responsible for shutting down the lightning quick Barbosa, who was limited to just four points on 1 of 7 shooting.
Splitter, who was drafted in the first round by the Spurs, led the Brazilians with 13 points and looked like a legitimate NBA player. Since his current buyout is so high, San Antonio is planning to leave him in Spain for another season, but it looks like he’d be an immediate upgrade over Fabricio Oberto and Francisco Elson, and should be a nice frontcourt mate for Tim Duncan.
In recent years, Team USA has been plagued by the ol’ back-it-down offense while everyone else stands around, but for the most part they played good, unselfish offense and tough, aggressive defense. It’s clear that Coach K is getting through to these guys.
LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony led Team USA with 21 points each, while Bryant chipped in with 20.
The next real test comes on Thursday, when they face Argentina.
