Team USA Basketball Off To Dominating Start In Rio Olympics…As Expected

Team USA Basketball is off to another strong start as the team routed China in their opening game of the 2016 Rio Olympics

If there was any fatigue from attending the spectacle of the Opening Ceremony the night before, it didn’t show as the USA Men’s Basketball team routed the Chinese in the opening game at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

USA Basketball defeated China by the wide margin of 119 to 62.

While the star-studded roster found their rhythm to close out the game, the first few possessions were shaky for Team USA. The game started out slow in the opening minutes with the US seemingly finding their rhythm for their first official match of the Games.

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While Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving found their spots from beyond the shorter Olympic three-point line, it was the American team’s defense that showed the vast difference between not only themselves and China, but also most of the international field.

The victory is the 69th in a row for USA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K has been with the team for many years and has stated that he will step down after the Olympics. He is set to be succeeded by current San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

Notably, Coach K has been part of the national team program for the last several decades. Among his accolades are leading the team to the Gold Medal in 2008 and 2012. He was also an assistant coach for Chuck Daly for the 1992 Olympic team dubbed “The Dream Team.”

Carmelo Anthony also came closer to becoming the all time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic history. After chipping in eight points against China, he now trails LeBron James by 25 points and will likely surpass that mark by the conclusion of the Games.

Next, USA basketball will play Venezuela on Monday. The United States defeated Venezuela in an exhibition game in Chicago earlier this summer by 35 points

Anthony also played in his 24th Olympic game, tying the American record held by both LeBron and David Robinson.

Prior to the start of the Olympics, much had been made about the living accommodations the team would have in Rio. The players level of celebrity doesn’t allow for the same level of privacy in the Village as other athletes are afforded so Team USA has elected since 1992 to find their own accommodations.

This year, both the Men’s and Women’s teams are staying on a luxury Cruise Ship called the Silver Cloud that is docked outside the city.

The only criticism so far of Team USA has been Coach Krzyzewski stating that the team is having “too much fun” and expects a higher level of focus out of the squad. Perhaps the biggest example was the failed 360 degree dunk attempt by DeMar DeRozan during an exhibition game this summer.

Next, USA basketball will play Venezuela on Monday. The United States defeated Venezuela in an exhibition game in Chicago earlier this summer by 35 points.