USA Pulls Out Narrow 70-68 Win Over Brazil, Remains Perfect in Men’s World Championship Play
Derrick Rose following the USA's victory over Brazil
Kevin Durant shares his thoughts with NBA TV via Skype following the Brazil win Monday
For a second straight game, Kevin Durant led the U.S. scorers, tallying 27 points along with 10 rebounds against Brazil.
USA Basketball website
Aug. 30, 2010
Istanbul, Turkey
Stats • Photos
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski described the game versus Brazil as a character game.Thanks to 27 points and 10 rebounds from Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) and a strong defensive effort in the second half, the USA passed the character test and edged Brazil (2-1) 70-68 in a battle of Group B unbeatens Monday evening at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. The win improved the U.S. record to 3-0 and put the Americans in excellent shape to earn the group's number one seeding for the eighth-finals.
Durant led the U.S. scoring on 4-for-6 shooting from 3-point, while Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) added 15 points, Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) contributed 11 and Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers) was credited with eight points and nine rebounds.
"We only allowed 22 points in the second and when you're offense isn't going very well, to still play great defense shows that you have character. I said (to the team) that I thought they had the character to win because it was not easy to win tonight. They had to do it doing tough things," Krzyzewski said.
"It was not (a game) - especially in the second half - where points came easy. Both teams still played with great heart. I think it showed the character of each team. When that happens, to me, a team can show its character in a bad way or a good way. I thought both teams showed it in a good way. I found out something about my team tonight."
The contest was a tale of two different halves. Over the first two quarters the two teams combined to score 89 points with Brazil heading to their locker room at intermission with a 46-43 lead.
The defenses clamped down in the second half and the two teams managed to score 49 points combined, and only after the U.S. outscored Brazil 27-22 in the last two quarters did the Americans post the 70-68 win.
"They came out first and did a great job of putting pressure on us but I thought we fought hard all game. Shots weren't going down for us, but we still continued to play defense in that second half. It's a learning experience for us. It was a game we needed," stated Durant.
The USA jumped out early to a 10-6 lead, but Brazil found its groove offensively and finished off the quarter with eight straight points to secure a 28-22 lead.
Brazil upped its lead to 37-30 following a pair of free throws by Marcelo Huertas, but the U.S. rallied back and behind six consecutive points scored by Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder), Durant and Rose, closed the gap to 37-36. At half the Americans trailed by three, 46-43.
Down 50-47 with 7:26 to go in the third, Durant connected from behind the 3-point arc, Rose scored, Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) added a free throw and Billups added two more from the charity stripe to finish off an 8-0 run, and the U.S. had its largest lead of the night to that point, 55-50.
Brazil refused to let the U.S. out of its sights and heading into the final 10 minutes, the USA was up 61-59 and facing its first test of the World Championship.
With the shot clock about to expire, Brazil's Marcus Vieira hit a three to even the score at 62 all. Odom counted on the other end and Rose pushed the USA back ahead 66-62 with 6:51 to play when he converted a pass from Billups into a pretty reverse layup.
The U.S. lead stood at 68-64 with 3:54 to play following a pair of clutch free throws from Rose and neither team was able to score again until 1:04 was left when Huertas scored on a drive to pull Brazil back within two, 68-66. Billups countered with his own drive at the other end, and then Brazil's Leandro Barbosa scored with 51.4 remaining to again make the contest a two-point game, 70-68.
The U.S. missed a three with 11 seconds to go that would have sealed the game and with 3.5 seconds left Huertas was fouled in the lane. Missing his first free throw, on the second attempt he purposely threw the ball hard off the rim and then came up with the rebound. Passing the ball into the lane to Barbosa, the guard's game tying toss rimmed out at the buzzer and the USA had the win.
"Chauncey made some big plays. He's the leader of this team so we got to follow him….he did a great job of carrying us in the second half," remarked Durant.
Both teams struggled with its shooting on the night, Brazil managed 42.2 percent for the game, while the USA hit 41.8 percent. The USA was 18-of-23 from the foul line, compared to Brazil's 4-of-8 charity shooting. The U.S. also held a slight advantage on the glass, 36-32, but had 22 turnovers and Brazil turned it over 20 times.
"Adversity makes a family tougher," Odom said. "You have to go through some things in life. It was good for us to have a challenge and be pushed to the limit."
Monday was a day off for the teams in Group C and Group D, and in Group A play in Kayseri, Argentina (3-0) remained perfect with a 91-70 win over Angola (1-2); Serbia (2-1) tore through Jordan (0-3) 112-69, and Australia (2-1) took apart Germany (1-2) 78-43. In Group B's other action Monday, Slovenia (2-1) fought off Croatia (1-2) 91-84, and Iran (1-2) upended Tunisia (0-3) 71-58.
The 2010 USA World Championship Team assistant coaches are Syracuse University's Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Toronto Raptors head mentor Jay Triano.
The 2010 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Championship for Men is being held Aug. 28-Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey. Twenty-four teams are competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and those teams were divided into four preliminary round groups consisting of six teams each.
Additional Quotes >>USA 70, Brazil 68
Aug. 30, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
Krzyzewski
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
About the game:
I think both coaches have to be proud of their teams. It was not – especially in the second half – where points came easy. Both teams still played with great heart. I think it showed the character of each team.
When that happens, to me, a team can show it’s character in a bad way or a good way. I thought both teams showed it in a good way. I found out something about my team tonight because Brazil is so well-coached. Their veterans, they have such a good concept and we were able to eke out a win when … we needed more energy to play against a Brazil team. I thought we were young in that regard, playing three straight games. The pool we’re in … when we saw that Brazil was in our pool, we said ‘whoa’ … they’ve got a chance to win the whole thing. Slovenia, Croatia … I thought this was a great pool and it’s proven to be that way for the first three games that we’ve played and especially tonight with (Brazil).
Why did you stick with (Andre) Iguodala even though he wasn’t a factor on offense?
With Andre, they have great players. (Leandro) Barbosa is one of the best international players in the world and (Marcelo) Machado is one of the best shooters. So, Andre is our best defender. Even if he doesn’t score, he’s going to be on one of the two of those guys. We got a little bit of a lead and Machado scored five straight points to keep them in the ball game right at the end of the third quarter and I had Andre out of the game. And, I got him right back in.
What did you mean you learned something about your team?
We’ve only been together for a few weeks. I don’t know until you’re in these situations if we’re going to have the character to win when you can’t hit a shot. When someone is playing such good defense … tonight I found that and that’s a good thing. That’s a really good thing to find out about our team.
Have you worked on trapping on the pick and rolls and were you happy with how that strategy worked in the second half?
We just had to try to change the rhythm. They were just killing us on the pick and rolls. Even at their timeouts, we were not able to do anything so we decided to do … we have practiced a few different ways of defending it. We went to that. I thought our defense was much better in the second half. They missed some shots and so did we. But, the defense was a lot better in the second half. They really do a great job of spreading you and I thought (Tiago) Splitter was outstanding in how he played. And, (Marcelo) Huertas played a magnificent first half. I mean, he just ran his team so well. If I wasn’t coaching the other team, I would have loved to have seen him do that more. He did it so well, but to me it was very frustrating. They were so good in it so we had to try to do something a little bit different.
Kevin Love had a double-double yesterday but barely played today … why?
Kevin could play 20 minutes or none. He’s just gotta be ready for that. Having Lamar in there as long as we did and I thought Tyson did a good job for a few minutes. Again, we’re still finding out about our team.
Who spoke up in the locker room and what was said?
I was the one who spoke. I’m the coach. We told them before the game that Brazil was the (FIBA) Americas champions from last year. They were 9-0 and won a great tournament in Puerto Rico with the same team that they have for this tournament. So they’re seasoned together. I thought that our defense … we only allowed 22 points in the second and when you’re offense isn’t going very well, to still play great defense shows that you have character.
I said that I thought they had the character to win because it was not easy to win tonight. They had to do it doing tough things. That was about it.
Will the political tensions with USA and Iran effect how you approach that game?
No. This is a sporting event. We have respect for Iran. I actually played in Iran in 1970 when I was on the U.S. Armed Forces team. I have great feeling for their country. They’re sportsmen and so are we. We’ll have a great game.
Billups
Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets)
On your scoring flurry in the third quarter and feeling the need to take the game over?
I wanted to aggressive. I could sense that the game was in limbo. I wanted to have an effect out there, call the plays and get what we wanted to get. It worked out.
Did you sense some of the younger guys tensing up a bit?
I don’t know if they’re tensed up. They honestly didn’t play as much tonight as they did in the last few games. They’ll have more opportunities and they’ll do a better job next time.
Was trapping the pick and roll the key to the win?
Huge. Their point guard was really crafty; really, really good. He hurt us in that first half big time, coming off making shots and if he wasn’t making shots, he was dishing it to guys and just kind of had it his way. We got a little more aggressive and I thought it changed the game up for us.
Is this why you’re here to step up at the end?
I think so. The guys look for me to be me especially in games like this. Obviously, it’s not going to happen every time. I’m looking for them to kind of have their input with two minutes to go in the game as well so I don’t want them to just defer to me because I’ve been doing this for a long time. I want them to create their own identity as well. I thought this was a great game for us.
Was three games in three nights a reason for the lack of energy at the beginning of the game?
They had three games in three days too. They came out with more energy than us. We can’t let that be a factor. Another lesson that we learned.
Durant
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game:
It was a hard game, a tough game from the beginning. Brazil is a well-coached team. They have a lot of great players, they are very disciplined. I think in that first half we didn’t bring any energy as a group. Overall it was a great game. We fought hard. Both teams fought hard and it’s something we can learn from.
Is that type of game good for you before you enter the medal round?
Of course. We knew Brazil was a great team. Yesterday, Coach said this was the equivalent to a Game 7 in the NBA playoffs. The atmosphere was great. They came out first and did a great job of putting pressure on us but I thought we fought hard all game. Shots weren’t going down for us, but we still continued to play defense in that second half. Like I said, it’s a learning experience for us. It was a game we needed.
Talk about how Chauncey carried you guys in stretches tonight and what he means to the team?
That’s what he does. Coach ran plays for him and he was able to come through for us. I just try to do a good job of securing rebounds on the defensive end and trying to help my teammates on the defensive end.
Chauncey made some big plays. He’s the leader of this team so we got to follow him, but I think everybody did a great job in the second half of locking in on the defensive end and playing hard. Wish we could have made more shots, but that’s how the game goes. Chauncey, he did a great job of carrying us in the second half.
Igoudala
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
Is it frustrating to play so much and get very few offensive opportunities?
No I wasn’t frustrated. I know my role on this team. The main thing is we got the win. All the other stuff doesn’t matter. It only matters what the score is at the end of the game. I had a job, which was to make it tough on Barbosa to score and he had to pull out his best moves to score in the second half.
On the defensive adjustments you made in the second half?
We switched it up a little bit. We were giving them too much freedom coming off and we applied a little more pressure in the second half and it seemed to work.
Coach K said you played because you are his best defender. Has he made that clear to you that it’s your primary role?
I’ve know that ever since being a part of the USA Basketball system, knowing that we’re going to have some great scorers. You got the Dwyane Wades and Kobe Bryants and on this team you got the Kevin Durants of the league. I feel like I can fit into any system no matter who I’m playing with. With this group, I feel like I go out there and try to shut down whoever their top scorer is.
Thoughts on Chauncey carrying the team when times got tough?
Well, his nickname is Mr. Big Shot and that’s for a reason. He got key baskets when we needed them and he showed veteran leadership tonight.
Did you feel the offensive was stagnant in the second half tonight?
It was a little bit. I think in the past, USA teams, if they aren’t scoring baskets then they’re struggling on the defensive end and that’s how we had those three losses that we had. I think tonight we just continued to stick with it. We showed some character as far as if we’re not scoring, we’re going to pull it out on the defensive end and get stops as well.
Is there a value of persevering to get a tough win for later on in the tournament?
Yeah, I think it was really key for our group, knowing that we can get through anything. We were down in the first half but we just kept pushing … cut it down little by little … We’ve been down in games before … were down against Spain in an exhibition game. Those moments help you for those key moments in the important games.
What is this team’s identity at this point?
We just have to take the last two games again one at a time … try to get something done. Give everybody some key minutes in the next two games and everybody get their confidence where it needs to be going into the elimination round.
Love
Kevin Love (Minnesota Timbewolves)
Was the game the most intense you guys have played in?
It definitely was. We knew that coming into this game, it was going to be a lot tougher than Croatia and Slovenia so we just wanted to really try to pick it up from the start. One thing we didn’t do was really come out in warmups and give our best effort right from the start. We kind of got warmed up during the game. One thing we need to do is just be ready at the very start of the game and really pick it up on the offensive end with the turnovers. We had a couple lapses in the first two games and I think you kind of saw that tonight throughout the whole game. If we clean that up, we’ll be … we’ll win by a substantial amount against most teams … but against a team like Brazil as talented as they are, we can’t have lapses like that.
What changed from the first half to the second half?
Coach K gave us a great talk at halftime, (he said) we need to pick it up and we only get one shot at this. We want to come out first in pool play and the only way we do that is if we beat Brazil because they probably won’t lose the rest of the way. He gave us a great speech at halftime, got us going and I think just warming up at halftime, we were ready to go from the start and I think we held them to 22 points in the second half.
Thoughts on the last play?
He got it on the left side after he shot it up and got it back … who knows if he left early, but they made a good play on the ball and we were just lucky that it was contested and Barbosa missed the shot. We had a little luck on our side. Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good and tonight we had that little luck at the end.
Odom
Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers)
On the game:
Challenge. Sometimes family that goes through adversity gets a little better. It’s a game we probably needed. Probably a good tune up especially going into the medal rounds, trying to finish up this tournament.
Difference in the second half?
Defense. There are going to be times when you have offensive lapses especially when you got team first time playing with each other. But, if we are the best defensive team in the tournament, we give ourselves a pretty good chance to win because we’ll get out in transition and get easy buckets.
On buckling in defensively in the second half?
We got poised guys like Chauncey and poised coaches that have been in big games before and the young guys are learning how to play in this tough environment.
On the last play of the game:
He had to miss on purpose and he missed on purpose really good. That ball bounced to the corner and Chauncey was able to close out on him and take away the three. He was still able to find Barbosa. The opportunity came at the free throw line and he came a little short.
On Chauncey asserting himself:
He was getting to the basket. Pick and rolls is one of his fortes, whether it’s find his shot or find a man. He’s one of the best at it.
On Kevin Durant’s performance:
He’s the best scorer in the NBA. These guys can’t check him or stay in front of him. He can score in so many different ways whether it’s over the top or around you.
Looking forward to a day off?
We’ll just keep building, keep building and hopefully keep getting better.
Rose
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
On the game:
It was definitely exciting. They’re a good team. They challenged us throughout the whole game. This is what we live for: to play in these type of games.
On the young team:
We’re young but we have confidence and we trust each other. We’re a young team that can relate to one another without getting angry at one another. We know that if another person is telling you something, listen and go out there and do whatever they’re telling you to do.
On the last shot:
I thought it was in to tell you the truth. Thank God it came out.
What did you do at halftime to change the momentum of the game?
Our coverage on the pick and roll in the second half. In the first half, where we were down and everything, sending them to our bigs but help side wasn’t over. In the second half, we were “blacking” the top where the big came up and met them and on the side, we were trapping the pick and roll so that we forced him to throw the ball out and other guys had to make plays.
Was today different than you first two games?
Totally different. We won by two so it’s totally different. They other games we played we won by double digits. This game right here was an eye opener. We know that teams are really coming here to win this tournament and we’re here to do the same.
What is different that you take from this game as opposed to the game in Madrid?
It’s tough out here. This is the third game in three days. We’re playing against professionals … some of us haven’t played three games in three days since AAU or high school games and you got us playing against a whole bunch of professionals that really know how to play. It’s tough out here. It’s very tough, but every game we learn something different and our hope is it prepares us for the next game.
On the offensive execution down the stretch:
It’s just slowing the ball down, calling out plays, making sure people were at their right spots before we start anything. I think tonight, I’ll put it on me, I didn’t really get into the ball in the beginning. I guess it was fatigue or something like that but I’ll guarantee you it won’t happen again next game.
Westbrook
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game:
They did a good job of coming out and jumping on us early. We just stayed strong and finished the game.
On you surprised how close they played you?
Not at all. They have a lot of good guards and good bigs. That’s a real good team and we’re fortunate to come out with the win.
Is that the kind of game you needed before you get to the knockout stage?
Yeah I think so. Definitely. We got to finish this pool play out with the two games we have left and win or go home comes up. We definitely need a game like this to wake you up and let you know that you can’t afford to do that again.
What do you think Coach K has learned from this team tonight?
Just about we held tight. Usually, when you’re down like that after you’ve been winning by 30 or 40 points, you tend to put your head down and we did a good job of competing throughout the game.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tall and Nimble, Kevin Love Fits His Role for U.S.
Thanks to Puffdaddy for posting on Bruin Zone.
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Tall and Nimble, Kevin Love Fits His Role for U.S.
By PETE THAMEL
The New York Times
Published: August 28, 2010
ISTANBUL — The United States backup center Kevin Love worried that his most impressive performance this month would not come on the court. Love’s cameo on the HBO show “Entourage” on Sunday night lasted just a few seconds, and despite the lack of Emmy buzz, he said he enjoyed his foray into acting.
"The co-creator, Doug Ellin, had wanted to put me in during my year at U.C.L.A,” Love said. “He wanted to have all those guys, E and Turtle, recruit me from college into the N.B.A. as agents.”
Much to the relief of U.C.L.A.’s compliance office, that episode never materialized. But with another impressive performance for the United States in a 106-78 victory over Croatia to open the world championships on Saturday, Love has found a more prominent role with the national team.
Slowed by a calf injury in New York and what he now admits was a concussion sustained against Lithuania in Madrid, Love has had sporadic playing time. But after two straight effective performances, he has shown he is more than a 6-foot-10, 260-pound insurance policy for a team lacking quality post players.
“I’m just happy that I worked my way back in, and I’m really getting back in shape and playing well,” Love said. “Hopefully, I’ll get more minutes and be able to help the team.”
Love grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 7 points in 13 minutes on Saturday after finding his groove in the final exhibition against Greece, when he had 10 points and 12 rebounds in 11 minutes.
Team USA’s next two games are the toughest they will face in pool play, with Slovenia and Brazil boasting bruising frontcourts. Love’s rugged post play will probably be needed.
“Kevin has been outstanding,” Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “Rebounds per minutes, he’s off the charts.”
He added, “We have a lot of confidence in Kevin.”
Love has fought through a broken hand and two losing seasons in Minnesota, and it has been easy to overlook his rare skills. He has flypaper hands, a soft shooting touch and is the Tom Brady of N.B.A. outlet passers. Ben Howland, who coached Love at U.C.L.A., calls him the Big Fundamental.
“The international game demands more skill, the ability to pass and play zones, to catch the ball in the high post and be able to make the passes he’s capable of making,” Howland said in a telephone interview. “I don’t know that there’s a better big-man passer out there.”
Howland said it was worth remembering that Love can stand on the baseline and hit the opposite rim with a two-handed chest pass 7 of 10 times.
And although the N.B.A. and Minnesota’s triangle offense have not been the ideal showcases for his outlet passing, his United States teammates are clearly enjoying it.
“Just like the old days,” said Russell Westbrook, a teammate of Love’s at U.C.L.A.
Guard Derrick Rose added: “His outlet passes are perfect. All you have to do is run, and it’s right there. He’s probably the best outlet passer in our game right now.”
During Love’s year at U.C.L.A., Howland said, the coaches watched him in practice and shook their heads at his fundamentally sound game.
“We can’t take any credit,” Howland said. “He showed up that way.”
One of Krzyzewski’s skills in organizing a team like this is getting players to buy into roles. Love’s is obvious; he relishes swinging his elbows, picking apart zones and taking a charge, which he was doing against Lithuania when he banged his head on the floor.
“I’m that hustle guy, that workhorse guy who can get rebounds and putbacks and the occasional 3,” he said. “But other than that, I’ll set picks and get people open and play team ball.”
As for Love’s acting career, he said he had not seen the “Entourage” cameo yet, but he said he got rave reviews from his friends. He hinted that it might not be his final dip into acting, but declined to elaborate.
Love’s much more comfortable talking about his role on the court, as he seems destined to appear in big scenes over the next few weeks.
“Now is the time that counts,” Love said, “and I’m looking forward to contributing the rest of the way.”
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Tall and Nimble, Kevin Love Fits His Role for U.S.By PETE THAMEL
The New York Times
Published: August 28, 2010
ISTANBUL — The United States backup center Kevin Love worried that his most impressive performance this month would not come on the court. Love’s cameo on the HBO show “Entourage” on Sunday night lasted just a few seconds, and despite the lack of Emmy buzz, he said he enjoyed his foray into acting.
"The co-creator, Doug Ellin, had wanted to put me in during my year at U.C.L.A,” Love said. “He wanted to have all those guys, E and Turtle, recruit me from college into the N.B.A. as agents.”
Much to the relief of U.C.L.A.’s compliance office, that episode never materialized. But with another impressive performance for the United States in a 106-78 victory over Croatia to open the world championships on Saturday, Love has found a more prominent role with the national team.
Slowed by a calf injury in New York and what he now admits was a concussion sustained against Lithuania in Madrid, Love has had sporadic playing time. But after two straight effective performances, he has shown he is more than a 6-foot-10, 260-pound insurance policy for a team lacking quality post players.
“I’m just happy that I worked my way back in, and I’m really getting back in shape and playing well,” Love said. “Hopefully, I’ll get more minutes and be able to help the team.”
Love grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 7 points in 13 minutes on Saturday after finding his groove in the final exhibition against Greece, when he had 10 points and 12 rebounds in 11 minutes.
Team USA’s next two games are the toughest they will face in pool play, with Slovenia and Brazil boasting bruising frontcourts. Love’s rugged post play will probably be needed.
“Kevin has been outstanding,” Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “Rebounds per minutes, he’s off the charts.”
He added, “We have a lot of confidence in Kevin.”
Love has fought through a broken hand and two losing seasons in Minnesota, and it has been easy to overlook his rare skills. He has flypaper hands, a soft shooting touch and is the Tom Brady of N.B.A. outlet passers. Ben Howland, who coached Love at U.C.L.A., calls him the Big Fundamental.
“The international game demands more skill, the ability to pass and play zones, to catch the ball in the high post and be able to make the passes he’s capable of making,” Howland said in a telephone interview. “I don’t know that there’s a better big-man passer out there.”
Howland said it was worth remembering that Love can stand on the baseline and hit the opposite rim with a two-handed chest pass 7 of 10 times.
And although the N.B.A. and Minnesota’s triangle offense have not been the ideal showcases for his outlet passing, his United States teammates are clearly enjoying it.
“Just like the old days,” said Russell Westbrook, a teammate of Love’s at U.C.L.A.
Guard Derrick Rose added: “His outlet passes are perfect. All you have to do is run, and it’s right there. He’s probably the best outlet passer in our game right now.”
During Love’s year at U.C.L.A., Howland said, the coaches watched him in practice and shook their heads at his fundamentally sound game.
“We can’t take any credit,” Howland said. “He showed up that way.”
One of Krzyzewski’s skills in organizing a team like this is getting players to buy into roles. Love’s is obvious; he relishes swinging his elbows, picking apart zones and taking a charge, which he was doing against Lithuania when he banged his head on the floor.
“I’m that hustle guy, that workhorse guy who can get rebounds and putbacks and the occasional 3,” he said. “But other than that, I’ll set picks and get people open and play team ball.”
As for Love’s acting career, he said he had not seen the “Entourage” cameo yet, but he said he got rave reviews from his friends. He hinted that it might not be his final dip into acting, but declined to elaborate.
Love’s much more comfortable talking about his role on the court, as he seems destined to appear in big scenes over the next few weeks.
“Now is the time that counts,” Love said, “and I’m looking forward to contributing the rest of the way.”
USA Basketball slathers Slovenia 99-77
Kevin Love following the USA's victory over Slovenia.
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Knocking down 3-of-6 shots from beyind the 3-point arc, Rudy Gay scored 16 points in the USA's 99-77 victory over Slovenia.
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images
USA Defense Shuts Down Slovenia
USA Basketball website
Aug. 29, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
Stats • Photos
In a game of offensive surges, the USA (2-0) had several more than Slovenia (1-1) and behind a game best 22 points from Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) the USA rolled to a 99-77 victory Sunday evening at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the second consecutive convincing victory for the Americans in as many nights.
“Coach told us that we wanted to disrupt their offense by pressuring them and getting into the passing lanes and I just tried to do that. I played my hardest and I was able to get my hands on a couple basketballs and get us some easy points,” said Durant, who hit 8-of-13 shots for the evening.
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Four U.S. players in addition to Durant finished with double digit point production. Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies) tallied 16 points and nailed 3-of-6 3-pointers, Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) contributed 11 points each, and Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves) added a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds in just 13 minutes.
The U.S. continues World Championship preliminary round play Monday against FIBA Americas Zone champion Brazil. Brazil, which was 1-0 after earning an 81-65 win over Iran Saturday, faces Tunisia in Sunday’s Group B nightcap.
“It was a good, tough international game. They have a great perimeter. It’s tough to cause turnovers because they really have three guys who can handle the ball,” said USA mentor and Duke University’s Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski. “All in all I thought it was a good day for us to get the amount of experience that we had out there today. I have to keep bringing the team along.
“I think our defense is good. Our offense can hurt it. We had 12 turnovers in that first half and they forced some of those turnovers and then we forced our own turnovers and that puts a lot of pressure on the defense. But, overall I’m very happy with the effort. Our kids played hard. We’ve played 80 minutes in this tournament and we’ve played hard for 80 minutes. As long as we get that effort, we’re going to have a chance.”
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Sprinting out of the gate, Durant, five points, and Iguodala, four points, combined to scored nine of the USA’s first 10 points as the U.S. jumped out to a 10-2 lead. The U.S. lead would never get below five points again.
Enjoying a 23-11 lead after the first stanza, the U.S. defense was again aggressive and disruptive right from the start. Limiting Slovenia to an arctic 4-of-18 shooting from the field and just 1-of-9 accuracy from 3-point in the game’s first 10 minutes, the USA hit 9-of-14 shots but turned the ball over seven times.
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Slovenia opened the second quarter with a 12-5 run that cut the gap to five, 28-23, with 3:36 left in the period. The U.S., which failed to hit a field goal in the quarter until the 3:29 mark, finally got on track and following a jumper in the lane from Westbrook finished the half with 14-3 run that left it holding a 42-28 advantage at halftime.
The Americans opened the second half by mimicking their first half start, but this time outscored Slovenia 17-4 to blow the game wide open 59-32 with 4:28 left on the clock. The run was fueled by the USA’s defense which saw Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) make a steal and covert with a layup, then next possession, Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) made a steal and found Durant for another uncontested layup. The USA continued to surge and when Durant dropped a 3ball the U.S. had extended its lead to 59-32.
Slovenia, spurred by its very large and vocal crowd, pushed back and after out gunning the U.S. 14-4, the score was 61-46 with 1:08 to play in the third.
Iguodala made one of two free throws and Gay capped the quarter with an old fashioned three-point play off of an offensive rebound and put back, and the U.S. was back in control 67-46 after three periods.
From there the USA lead never feel below 18 and the USA sailed in for the 99-77 win.
“There were points in the game where we had to rethink the kind of basketball we were playing especially with the second group,” remarked Gay. “Basketball is a game of runs. They made their run. We had a couple of turnovers. We fixed that and made our lead bigger.”
“When we don’t rebound and we don’t play defense, we don’t play well. That’s the key to us. Everybody has their staple and that’s our staple,” he added.
Behind Love’s 11 boards and nine more from Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers), the USA outrebounded Slovenia 50-33, with 14 offensive boards to its credit.
“Brazil is really like an NBA team. They’ll play like we do. They’re veterans. You got guys who are strong contributors on NBA teams in (Leandro) Barbosa and (Anderson) Varejao and Splitter will be one of the newcomers who’s not so young in the league. It’ll be like a medal round game. We’re looking forward to it because it will give us a lot of great experience as we go into the following week,” stated Coach K.
The USA-Brazil World Championship series stands at 6-5 in favor of the United States with the two teams’ last meeting in the 1998 World Championship. Following a day off on Aug. 31, the USA resumes play Sept. 1 against Asia Zone champ Iran, a team it has not faced previously in World Championship play, then closes out preliminary play with a contest versus Tunisia on Sept. 2, another team that the Americans have not met in World Championship action.
In Group B’s middle game Sunday, Croatia (1-1) rolled to a 75-54 win over Iran (0-2), while the nightcap features Brazil (1-0) against Tunisia (0-1). In Group A play in Kayseri, Angola (1-1) defeated Jordan (0-2) 79-65 and Germany (1-1) outlasted Serbia (1-1) 82-81 in a 2 OT thriller. The Group A last game of the day features Argentina (1-0) meeting Australia (1-0). In Group C play in Ankara, China (1-1) outscored Ivory Coast (0-2) 83-73 and Greece (2-0) nipped Puerto Rico (0-2) 83-80. The finale in Group C tonight features host Turkey (1-0) versus Russia (1-0). In Group D games played in Izmir, Lithuania (2-0) rallied to take down Canada (0-2) 70-68 and France (2-0) knocked off Lebanon (0-2) 86-59. The final Group D game features Spain (1-0) against New Zealand (0-1).
The 2010 USA World Championship Team assistant coaches are Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Toronto Raptors head mentor Jay Triano.
The 2010 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Championship for Men is being held Aug. 28-Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey. Twenty-four teams are competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and those teams were divided into four preliminary round groups consisting of six teams each.
Additional Quotes >> USA 99, Slovenia 77
Aug. 29, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
Comments about today's game:
We were pleased to be an outstanding Slovenian team today. I thought it was a good, tough international game. They have a great perimeter. It’s tough to cause turnovers because they really have three guys who can handle the ball. We feel good about the win. It’s a long tournament and it’s a long race. We feel good about beating an outstanding Slovenian team. It was a great game. (Slovenia) played with their hearts and so did we. I thought it was an outstanding game and I hope it prepares both of us for future wins.
Was part of your strategy taking the crowd out of the game?
There is no way a coach can control a crowd. All of our guys have played in environments much tougher than today. I mean, it was a great crowd but we would rather have noise than no noise. I think that’s a tribute to their country and their team. We felt good about it.
What was the stretch like late in the first and early in second when the team was struggling with turnovers?
I think you’re just going to have stretches like that when you play five games in six days and we had to regain our poise and I thought we did by the end of the first half to get a double-digit lead. The game was getting away from us a little bit because we had 12 turnovers.
What went into your decision to sub out Kevin Durant with five minutes to go in the first?
It’s a long tournament and we need to develop our entire team. My decision is based on running a marathon, not a sprint. That’s something I’ve learned over the last five years … we need 12 guys to win. Kevin is playing really well but I have confidence in the other guys too. All in all I thought it was a good day for us to get the amount of experience that we had out there today. I have to keep bringing the team along. We have a young group not one guy. He (Durant) had a helluva game.
Can you compare today and yesterday’s game and how they will play each other?
I think it will be a great game for both teams tomorrow. They can both shoot so well and they play so hard. I thought both teams gave us some problems and the perimeter game of both teams is outstanding. I thought Nachbar played with the energy of a veteran international player today. He had a such a good spirit and it had a tremendous impact on his team. Popovic or these guys for Croatia, they can do that too. It’s going to be a great game, a great international game.
Where is your defense right now?
I think our defense is good. Our offense can’t hurt it. We had 12 turnovers in that first half and they forced some of those turnovers and then we forced our own turnovers and that puts a lot of pressure on the defense. But, overall I’m very happy with the effort. Our kids played hard. We’ve played 80 minutes in this tournament and we’ve played hard for 80 minutes. As long as we get that effort, we’re going to have a chance.
What did you say at halftime after all the turnovers in the first half?
I just told the team that this was an international game. We went through a bad spell but we’re getting out of it … just to remain poised and I was proud of the way they ended the half. You can’t go too crazy about anything. You have to keep calm in these situations. It’s just one game and you’re out. I’m an old guy now. In my younger days, maybe I would have done something else.
On subbing so often throughout the game?
This is our fifth game together, just think of that. We’ve been together for five games so I’m trying to get as much playing experience for our guys as possible. That’s not necessarily what we’ll do in the medal round but for right now, we want to win and we want to develop. And, those two things are paramount in my thinking. I don’t think we would do that in a medal round game.
On Kevin Love’s play in tonight’s game:
We’re not surprised by his performance. He’s really played very, very well. He’s gotten double figures in rebounds.
Thoughts on Brazil?
Brazil is really like an NBA team. They’ll play like we do. They’re veterans. You got guys who are strong contributors on NBA teams in (Leandro) Barbosa and (Anderson) Varejao and Splitter will be one of the newcomers whose not so young in the league. It’ll be like a medal round game. We’re looking forward to it because it will give us a lot of great experience as we go into the following week.
Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets)
On the game:
We played a team that was a really good team. The game looked a little different to us early. We had guys playing the right way but we just couldn’t know them down early, couldn’t know them out early and that’s kind of how the tournament is going to especially in the medal round. It was a great test for us.
Seemed there were spurts from a bunch of different combinations today?
It was. That’s the beauty of our team and the talent and athleticism that we have that there is always going to be a couple different guys that step up and have big nights.
On the defense and rebounding of the team:
That’s where we are going to make our bread and butter at. Just defending guys. Our athleticism and our speed is what is going to wear teams down. A couple of teams that might match that early but when we come in with that second wave and come back with the starters again, I think that we’re just going to wear teams down.
On playing Brazil and what to expect:
I’m looking forward to watching some tape on them a little later. I know that they have a lot of great talent, a lot of great camaraderie with one another, just from playing against them a few years ago. I look forward to it. That’s one of the best teams here.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game:
It was fun. I think we came out and played hard. Crowd got into it early; they got back into it in the second quarter but I think we kept our composure very well and we’re able to get some stops and some scores.
On his defense setting the tone early:
Coach told us that we wanted to disrupt their offense by pressuring them and getting into the passing lanes and I just tried to do that. I played my hardest and I was able to get my hands on a couple basketballs and get us some easy points. I’m just trying to do my part and coming out there and playing hard as a four-man and scoring when they need me to.
On the turnovers:
The turnovers we had are something we can correct. We were throwing a cross court pass or traveling. I think those turnovers we can control and get them down a little bit so yesterday we did a better job on the turnovers but today we just made some costly mistakes and some mistakes that we can correct.
On playing Brazil:
It’s going to be a tough game. A very, very tough team. Very disciplined and they can score. Our defense is going to be tested.
Would Brazil be better if Nene was here?
Of course, Nene is a great center. Unfortunately, he’s not. It will be better for us since he’s not here because he’s such a great player. Of course they’d be much better with Nene.
Do you think tomorrow’s game will be a 20-point game like the first two games?
No, I doubt it. They’re such a well-coached team, a great team with a lot of chemistry. Everybody is beatable here so we have to do our job and come out and play hard every possession.
Talk about some of the quirks you are adjusting to in the international game, like when you knocked the ball off the rim to save a basket:
We’ve been here for a while now and we’re starting to learn the game. Instincts kind of kicked in. I just seen the ball bouncing on the rim and I heard my coaches and teammates yelling to go get it. I was able to knock it off. I don’t know if that’s a block or a rebound or what it is. I was just trying to help my team out.
How do you feel the defense is progressing?
Our defensive effort has been good. I think we’re doing a great job of getting in the passing lanes and disrupting. We’re also doing a good job of pressuring … our guards the last two nights did a great job of taking out their guards. That’s what we need and we’re just going to follow their lead.
On the team in general and the camaraderie:
It’s been more like brothers here. Even though we have been together such a short time, it feels like everybody has been knowing each other for years and years. We play against each other so we respect everybody’s game but I think that off the court … for example, I didn’t know Lamar Odom was that cool … I didn’t know that Derrick Rose was that cool … it’s kind of easy … everybody’s personality fits.
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)
On the game
The Slovenian crowd really made it tough for us. They were up the whole game. I don’t think any of them sat down. It was hard for us to get in our sets. Although they are a great team, we have a lot of things we need to work on. They showed us exactly what we need to get better at to contend for a gold out here.
What was the stretch like late in the first and early in second when the team was struggling with turnovers?
There were points in the game where we had to rethink the kind of basketball we were playing especially with the second group. We come in there and we kind of make a bigger lead out there. Basketball is a game of runs. They made their run. We had a couple of turnovers. We fixed that and made our lead bigger.
On Kevin Love’s play in tonight’s game:
With Kevin Love, you know what you’re getting. You’re going to get somebody who comes out every night and is going to play hard … who is going to try to distract shots and try to get his hand on every rebound. On the other end, he’s just as good offensively as anybody on the team. We don’t have any lapses on this team. Coach can go to any player on the bench and fill a spot. That’s a tribute to Mr. Colangelo and how he picked this team.
On the defense and rebounding of the team:
We just got to do that every game. When we don’t rebound and we don’t play defense, we don’t play well. That’s the key to us. Everybody has their staple and that’s our staple.
How did you feel shooting the ball tonight?
I went out there and set my mind free and just go out there and be as productive as possible. I think everybody here knows how to score. It’s just setting my mind free.
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
On the game
I think their fans were great. It was good that we got that type of crowd. They were really cheering for them the whole way … 40 minutes … it was good to go against that. Those guys play hard. They continued to play the whole game. Once we apply the pressure the game takes care of itself.
On the defensive start for the team:
Defensively to start the game, from tip, we really got after it, got some steals, got some deflections. We really wanted to extend our defense and make them push their offense out a little further than they are accustomed to. That really disrupted them.
On the team’s turnovers in the first half:
We had 12 turnovers in the first and we were still up 12, 14 points. We figured we’d come out in the second half, apply the same pressure and cut the turnovers down. We got to be careful with the traveling. You’re going full speed and you catch the ball, it’s hard to just stop. We’ll adjust to the rules and get it done.
On playing Brazil next:
They have some tough players. They got Barbosa obviously and Varejao, NBA guys. Barbosa’s their go-to guy. We’re going to try to key in on him a little bit. Obviously he’s been in the league for eight years so he has some experience in the NBA and international play. I’m sure they want to upset us.
Where do you feel the team is right now?
I feel like we still have some ways to go but these next three games will be good for us to try to continue to work on the little things.
Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
On the goals of the team:
We aren’t the Olympic team and we feel we have a lot to prove. There have a been a lot of doubters, even from the US that have said that we might not be able to get this done so we definitely want to bring home the gold medal and that’s the plan. We’re not going to settle for anything else but we know that we have a long road ahead of us.
Thoughts on the atmosphere of the game:
It’s tough because we can’t really replicate that in practice. We know teams are going to come out, especially today. Slovenia had great national pride. Their whole crowd was rocking at some points in the game. At some points, we couldn’t hear our play calls. Sometimes, we couldn’t hear each other on defense but we just had to figure it out out there and have each other’s backs. It’s tough to prepare for that and we know that going forward, it’s going to be the same thing.
On his one handed rebound and shot:
I knew I could hold him off and get the rebound and try to put it back up. I actually just tried to put it over the rim and not use the glass but I just flipped it up and it came off my hand a little bit weird and I had luck on my side. Sometimes that’s what you need.
Do you enjoy coming off the bench?
I think for this team, it’s very good for us. Coach K has told all the guys to just embrace it. That’s kind of what I have done. I feel like I can be a spark off the bench … even if I’m the 6th or 12th man. It’s something I’ve embraced, try to come in there with energy. I know if all else fails, one thing I can always do is rebound.
On his role coming off the bench:
Keep coming off the bench and just being a spark for the team. I think each player that doesn’t start can do that. We have a bunch of players that play in the NBA that can play different roles and for me, it’s just getting putbacks on the offensive end and the occasional three and getting to the free throw line and getting offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds. That’s something I can always count on is just going after the offensive and defensive glass and trying to help the team in the rebounding aspect.
Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers)
On the game:
Good game. Competitive. We are just trying to get better as games go along.
On the crowd advantage for Slovenia:
Yeah. That was the best part about it. It was an away game times two. We needed that. We needed to be in an hostile environment because the further and further we progress, the tougher it’s going to get.
On the defensive start:
That’s our focus all the time. Its our focus to start the tournament … to really be the best defensive team in the tournament.
On the rebounding advantage:
That’s what we keep the focus on that because we’re small … everyone says we’re small and can’t rebound. So we need to take that away from teams mentally.
On playing Brazil:
They have tough players … Athletic team. They’ll play hard. We’ll try to take them out of their game early.
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
On the game:
It was all fun. The crowd was definitely into it. We were just out there playing. It definitely tested us to see where we were at as a team. We came out and we answered that challenge.
How did the team react to the turnovers in the first half?
Just knowing that we just got to take our time. When we have patience, that’s when we had good baskets or good looks. This game is totally different from the NBA where they want you take shots like that – like wild shots and push the ball hard and stuff like that. You just got to have a group of guys that are in control.
On the early defense?
We wanted to get them out of their sets. We know they are a team that if you let them just run around, they can definitely hurt you by the pick action and going in to their bigs. We knew we had to play physical and let them know that we were there.
What are the focuses for improvement tomorrow?
We got to look at film. We saw (Brazil) play against Spain. We got to look at film and really key in on the guys and make them do things that they can’t do.
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the turnover issues early:
We got to continue to play through adversity. There is going to be turnovers throughout the game. As long as we continue to play our game, we’re going to be all right.
On playing Brazil:
I know that if we do what we need to do and defend, we’re going to put ourselves in position to win.
On the team’s defense right now:
I think we are right where we need to be. We need to rebound a little more and take care of the ball.
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Knocking down 3-of-6 shots from beyind the 3-point arc, Rudy Gay scored 16 points in the USA's 99-77 victory over Slovenia.Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images
USA Defense Shuts Down Slovenia
USA Basketball website
Aug. 29, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
Stats • Photos
In a game of offensive surges, the USA (2-0) had several more than Slovenia (1-1) and behind a game best 22 points from Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) the USA rolled to a 99-77 victory Sunday evening at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the second consecutive convincing victory for the Americans in as many nights.
“Coach told us that we wanted to disrupt their offense by pressuring them and getting into the passing lanes and I just tried to do that. I played my hardest and I was able to get my hands on a couple basketballs and get us some easy points,” said Durant, who hit 8-of-13 shots for the evening.
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Four U.S. players in addition to Durant finished with double digit point production. Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies) tallied 16 points and nailed 3-of-6 3-pointers, Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) contributed 11 points each, and Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves) added a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds in just 13 minutes. The U.S. continues World Championship preliminary round play Monday against FIBA Americas Zone champion Brazil. Brazil, which was 1-0 after earning an 81-65 win over Iran Saturday, faces Tunisia in Sunday’s Group B nightcap.
“It was a good, tough international game. They have a great perimeter. It’s tough to cause turnovers because they really have three guys who can handle the ball,” said USA mentor and Duke University’s Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski. “All in all I thought it was a good day for us to get the amount of experience that we had out there today. I have to keep bringing the team along.
“I think our defense is good. Our offense can hurt it. We had 12 turnovers in that first half and they forced some of those turnovers and then we forced our own turnovers and that puts a lot of pressure on the defense. But, overall I’m very happy with the effort. Our kids played hard. We’ve played 80 minutes in this tournament and we’ve played hard for 80 minutes. As long as we get that effort, we’re going to have a chance.”
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Sprinting out of the gate, Durant, five points, and Iguodala, four points, combined to scored nine of the USA’s first 10 points as the U.S. jumped out to a 10-2 lead. The U.S. lead would never get below five points again. Enjoying a 23-11 lead after the first stanza, the U.S. defense was again aggressive and disruptive right from the start. Limiting Slovenia to an arctic 4-of-18 shooting from the field and just 1-of-9 accuracy from 3-point in the game’s first 10 minutes, the USA hit 9-of-14 shots but turned the ball over seven times.
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Slovenia opened the second quarter with a 12-5 run that cut the gap to five, 28-23, with 3:36 left in the period. The U.S., which failed to hit a field goal in the quarter until the 3:29 mark, finally got on track and following a jumper in the lane from Westbrook finished the half with 14-3 run that left it holding a 42-28 advantage at halftime. The Americans opened the second half by mimicking their first half start, but this time outscored Slovenia 17-4 to blow the game wide open 59-32 with 4:28 left on the clock. The run was fueled by the USA’s defense which saw Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) make a steal and covert with a layup, then next possession, Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) made a steal and found Durant for another uncontested layup. The USA continued to surge and when Durant dropped a 3ball the U.S. had extended its lead to 59-32.
Slovenia, spurred by its very large and vocal crowd, pushed back and after out gunning the U.S. 14-4, the score was 61-46 with 1:08 to play in the third.
Iguodala made one of two free throws and Gay capped the quarter with an old fashioned three-point play off of an offensive rebound and put back, and the U.S. was back in control 67-46 after three periods.
From there the USA lead never feel below 18 and the USA sailed in for the 99-77 win.
“There were points in the game where we had to rethink the kind of basketball we were playing especially with the second group,” remarked Gay. “Basketball is a game of runs. They made their run. We had a couple of turnovers. We fixed that and made our lead bigger.”
“When we don’t rebound and we don’t play defense, we don’t play well. That’s the key to us. Everybody has their staple and that’s our staple,” he added.
Behind Love’s 11 boards and nine more from Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers), the USA outrebounded Slovenia 50-33, with 14 offensive boards to its credit.
“Brazil is really like an NBA team. They’ll play like we do. They’re veterans. You got guys who are strong contributors on NBA teams in (Leandro) Barbosa and (Anderson) Varejao and Splitter will be one of the newcomers who’s not so young in the league. It’ll be like a medal round game. We’re looking forward to it because it will give us a lot of great experience as we go into the following week,” stated Coach K.
The USA-Brazil World Championship series stands at 6-5 in favor of the United States with the two teams’ last meeting in the 1998 World Championship. Following a day off on Aug. 31, the USA resumes play Sept. 1 against Asia Zone champ Iran, a team it has not faced previously in World Championship play, then closes out preliminary play with a contest versus Tunisia on Sept. 2, another team that the Americans have not met in World Championship action.
In Group B’s middle game Sunday, Croatia (1-1) rolled to a 75-54 win over Iran (0-2), while the nightcap features Brazil (1-0) against Tunisia (0-1). In Group A play in Kayseri, Angola (1-1) defeated Jordan (0-2) 79-65 and Germany (1-1) outlasted Serbia (1-1) 82-81 in a 2 OT thriller. The Group A last game of the day features Argentina (1-0) meeting Australia (1-0). In Group C play in Ankara, China (1-1) outscored Ivory Coast (0-2) 83-73 and Greece (2-0) nipped Puerto Rico (0-2) 83-80. The finale in Group C tonight features host Turkey (1-0) versus Russia (1-0). In Group D games played in Izmir, Lithuania (2-0) rallied to take down Canada (0-2) 70-68 and France (2-0) knocked off Lebanon (0-2) 86-59. The final Group D game features Spain (1-0) against New Zealand (0-1).
The 2010 USA World Championship Team assistant coaches are Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Toronto Raptors head mentor Jay Triano.
The 2010 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Championship for Men is being held Aug. 28-Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey. Twenty-four teams are competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and those teams were divided into four preliminary round groups consisting of six teams each.
Additional Quotes >> USA 99, Slovenia 77
Aug. 29, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
Comments about today's game:
We were pleased to be an outstanding Slovenian team today. I thought it was a good, tough international game. They have a great perimeter. It’s tough to cause turnovers because they really have three guys who can handle the ball. We feel good about the win. It’s a long tournament and it’s a long race. We feel good about beating an outstanding Slovenian team. It was a great game. (Slovenia) played with their hearts and so did we. I thought it was an outstanding game and I hope it prepares both of us for future wins.
Was part of your strategy taking the crowd out of the game?
There is no way a coach can control a crowd. All of our guys have played in environments much tougher than today. I mean, it was a great crowd but we would rather have noise than no noise. I think that’s a tribute to their country and their team. We felt good about it.
What was the stretch like late in the first and early in second when the team was struggling with turnovers?
I think you’re just going to have stretches like that when you play five games in six days and we had to regain our poise and I thought we did by the end of the first half to get a double-digit lead. The game was getting away from us a little bit because we had 12 turnovers.
What went into your decision to sub out Kevin Durant with five minutes to go in the first?
It’s a long tournament and we need to develop our entire team. My decision is based on running a marathon, not a sprint. That’s something I’ve learned over the last five years … we need 12 guys to win. Kevin is playing really well but I have confidence in the other guys too. All in all I thought it was a good day for us to get the amount of experience that we had out there today. I have to keep bringing the team along. We have a young group not one guy. He (Durant) had a helluva game.
Can you compare today and yesterday’s game and how they will play each other?
I think it will be a great game for both teams tomorrow. They can both shoot so well and they play so hard. I thought both teams gave us some problems and the perimeter game of both teams is outstanding. I thought Nachbar played with the energy of a veteran international player today. He had a such a good spirit and it had a tremendous impact on his team. Popovic or these guys for Croatia, they can do that too. It’s going to be a great game, a great international game.
Where is your defense right now?
I think our defense is good. Our offense can’t hurt it. We had 12 turnovers in that first half and they forced some of those turnovers and then we forced our own turnovers and that puts a lot of pressure on the defense. But, overall I’m very happy with the effort. Our kids played hard. We’ve played 80 minutes in this tournament and we’ve played hard for 80 minutes. As long as we get that effort, we’re going to have a chance.
What did you say at halftime after all the turnovers in the first half?
I just told the team that this was an international game. We went through a bad spell but we’re getting out of it … just to remain poised and I was proud of the way they ended the half. You can’t go too crazy about anything. You have to keep calm in these situations. It’s just one game and you’re out. I’m an old guy now. In my younger days, maybe I would have done something else.
On subbing so often throughout the game?
This is our fifth game together, just think of that. We’ve been together for five games so I’m trying to get as much playing experience for our guys as possible. That’s not necessarily what we’ll do in the medal round but for right now, we want to win and we want to develop. And, those two things are paramount in my thinking. I don’t think we would do that in a medal round game.
On Kevin Love’s play in tonight’s game:
We’re not surprised by his performance. He’s really played very, very well. He’s gotten double figures in rebounds.
Thoughts on Brazil?
Brazil is really like an NBA team. They’ll play like we do. They’re veterans. You got guys who are strong contributors on NBA teams in (Leandro) Barbosa and (Anderson) Varejao and Splitter will be one of the newcomers whose not so young in the league. It’ll be like a medal round game. We’re looking forward to it because it will give us a lot of great experience as we go into the following week.
Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets)
On the game:
We played a team that was a really good team. The game looked a little different to us early. We had guys playing the right way but we just couldn’t know them down early, couldn’t know them out early and that’s kind of how the tournament is going to especially in the medal round. It was a great test for us.
Seemed there were spurts from a bunch of different combinations today?
It was. That’s the beauty of our team and the talent and athleticism that we have that there is always going to be a couple different guys that step up and have big nights.
On the defense and rebounding of the team:
That’s where we are going to make our bread and butter at. Just defending guys. Our athleticism and our speed is what is going to wear teams down. A couple of teams that might match that early but when we come in with that second wave and come back with the starters again, I think that we’re just going to wear teams down.
On playing Brazil and what to expect:
I’m looking forward to watching some tape on them a little later. I know that they have a lot of great talent, a lot of great camaraderie with one another, just from playing against them a few years ago. I look forward to it. That’s one of the best teams here.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game:
It was fun. I think we came out and played hard. Crowd got into it early; they got back into it in the second quarter but I think we kept our composure very well and we’re able to get some stops and some scores.
On his defense setting the tone early:
Coach told us that we wanted to disrupt their offense by pressuring them and getting into the passing lanes and I just tried to do that. I played my hardest and I was able to get my hands on a couple basketballs and get us some easy points. I’m just trying to do my part and coming out there and playing hard as a four-man and scoring when they need me to.
On the turnovers:
The turnovers we had are something we can correct. We were throwing a cross court pass or traveling. I think those turnovers we can control and get them down a little bit so yesterday we did a better job on the turnovers but today we just made some costly mistakes and some mistakes that we can correct.
On playing Brazil:
It’s going to be a tough game. A very, very tough team. Very disciplined and they can score. Our defense is going to be tested.
Would Brazil be better if Nene was here?
Of course, Nene is a great center. Unfortunately, he’s not. It will be better for us since he’s not here because he’s such a great player. Of course they’d be much better with Nene.
Do you think tomorrow’s game will be a 20-point game like the first two games?
No, I doubt it. They’re such a well-coached team, a great team with a lot of chemistry. Everybody is beatable here so we have to do our job and come out and play hard every possession.
Talk about some of the quirks you are adjusting to in the international game, like when you knocked the ball off the rim to save a basket:
We’ve been here for a while now and we’re starting to learn the game. Instincts kind of kicked in. I just seen the ball bouncing on the rim and I heard my coaches and teammates yelling to go get it. I was able to knock it off. I don’t know if that’s a block or a rebound or what it is. I was just trying to help my team out.
How do you feel the defense is progressing?
Our defensive effort has been good. I think we’re doing a great job of getting in the passing lanes and disrupting. We’re also doing a good job of pressuring … our guards the last two nights did a great job of taking out their guards. That’s what we need and we’re just going to follow their lead.
On the team in general and the camaraderie:
It’s been more like brothers here. Even though we have been together such a short time, it feels like everybody has been knowing each other for years and years. We play against each other so we respect everybody’s game but I think that off the court … for example, I didn’t know Lamar Odom was that cool … I didn’t know that Derrick Rose was that cool … it’s kind of easy … everybody’s personality fits.
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)
On the game
The Slovenian crowd really made it tough for us. They were up the whole game. I don’t think any of them sat down. It was hard for us to get in our sets. Although they are a great team, we have a lot of things we need to work on. They showed us exactly what we need to get better at to contend for a gold out here.
What was the stretch like late in the first and early in second when the team was struggling with turnovers?
There were points in the game where we had to rethink the kind of basketball we were playing especially with the second group. We come in there and we kind of make a bigger lead out there. Basketball is a game of runs. They made their run. We had a couple of turnovers. We fixed that and made our lead bigger.
On Kevin Love’s play in tonight’s game:
With Kevin Love, you know what you’re getting. You’re going to get somebody who comes out every night and is going to play hard … who is going to try to distract shots and try to get his hand on every rebound. On the other end, he’s just as good offensively as anybody on the team. We don’t have any lapses on this team. Coach can go to any player on the bench and fill a spot. That’s a tribute to Mr. Colangelo and how he picked this team.
On the defense and rebounding of the team:
We just got to do that every game. When we don’t rebound and we don’t play defense, we don’t play well. That’s the key to us. Everybody has their staple and that’s our staple.
How did you feel shooting the ball tonight?
I went out there and set my mind free and just go out there and be as productive as possible. I think everybody here knows how to score. It’s just setting my mind free.
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
On the game
I think their fans were great. It was good that we got that type of crowd. They were really cheering for them the whole way … 40 minutes … it was good to go against that. Those guys play hard. They continued to play the whole game. Once we apply the pressure the game takes care of itself.
On the defensive start for the team:
Defensively to start the game, from tip, we really got after it, got some steals, got some deflections. We really wanted to extend our defense and make them push their offense out a little further than they are accustomed to. That really disrupted them.
On the team’s turnovers in the first half:
We had 12 turnovers in the first and we were still up 12, 14 points. We figured we’d come out in the second half, apply the same pressure and cut the turnovers down. We got to be careful with the traveling. You’re going full speed and you catch the ball, it’s hard to just stop. We’ll adjust to the rules and get it done.
On playing Brazil next:
They have some tough players. They got Barbosa obviously and Varejao, NBA guys. Barbosa’s their go-to guy. We’re going to try to key in on him a little bit. Obviously he’s been in the league for eight years so he has some experience in the NBA and international play. I’m sure they want to upset us.
Where do you feel the team is right now?
I feel like we still have some ways to go but these next three games will be good for us to try to continue to work on the little things.
Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
On the goals of the team:
We aren’t the Olympic team and we feel we have a lot to prove. There have a been a lot of doubters, even from the US that have said that we might not be able to get this done so we definitely want to bring home the gold medal and that’s the plan. We’re not going to settle for anything else but we know that we have a long road ahead of us.
Thoughts on the atmosphere of the game:
It’s tough because we can’t really replicate that in practice. We know teams are going to come out, especially today. Slovenia had great national pride. Their whole crowd was rocking at some points in the game. At some points, we couldn’t hear our play calls. Sometimes, we couldn’t hear each other on defense but we just had to figure it out out there and have each other’s backs. It’s tough to prepare for that and we know that going forward, it’s going to be the same thing.
On his one handed rebound and shot:
I knew I could hold him off and get the rebound and try to put it back up. I actually just tried to put it over the rim and not use the glass but I just flipped it up and it came off my hand a little bit weird and I had luck on my side. Sometimes that’s what you need.
Do you enjoy coming off the bench?
I think for this team, it’s very good for us. Coach K has told all the guys to just embrace it. That’s kind of what I have done. I feel like I can be a spark off the bench … even if I’m the 6th or 12th man. It’s something I’ve embraced, try to come in there with energy. I know if all else fails, one thing I can always do is rebound.
On his role coming off the bench:
Keep coming off the bench and just being a spark for the team. I think each player that doesn’t start can do that. We have a bunch of players that play in the NBA that can play different roles and for me, it’s just getting putbacks on the offensive end and the occasional three and getting to the free throw line and getting offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds. That’s something I can always count on is just going after the offensive and defensive glass and trying to help the team in the rebounding aspect.
Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers)
On the game:
Good game. Competitive. We are just trying to get better as games go along.
On the crowd advantage for Slovenia:
Yeah. That was the best part about it. It was an away game times two. We needed that. We needed to be in an hostile environment because the further and further we progress, the tougher it’s going to get.
On the defensive start:
That’s our focus all the time. Its our focus to start the tournament … to really be the best defensive team in the tournament.
On the rebounding advantage:
That’s what we keep the focus on that because we’re small … everyone says we’re small and can’t rebound. So we need to take that away from teams mentally.
On playing Brazil:
They have tough players … Athletic team. They’ll play hard. We’ll try to take them out of their game early.
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
On the game:
It was all fun. The crowd was definitely into it. We were just out there playing. It definitely tested us to see where we were at as a team. We came out and we answered that challenge.
How did the team react to the turnovers in the first half?
Just knowing that we just got to take our time. When we have patience, that’s when we had good baskets or good looks. This game is totally different from the NBA where they want you take shots like that – like wild shots and push the ball hard and stuff like that. You just got to have a group of guys that are in control.
On the early defense?
We wanted to get them out of their sets. We know they are a team that if you let them just run around, they can definitely hurt you by the pick action and going in to their bigs. We knew we had to play physical and let them know that we were there.
What are the focuses for improvement tomorrow?
We got to look at film. We saw (Brazil) play against Spain. We got to look at film and really key in on the guys and make them do things that they can’t do.
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the turnover issues early:
We got to continue to play through adversity. There is going to be turnovers throughout the game. As long as we continue to play our game, we’re going to be all right.
On playing Brazil:
I know that if we do what we need to do and defend, we’re going to put ourselves in position to win.
On the team’s defense right now:
I think we are right where we need to be. We need to rebound a little more and take care of the ball.
Recruiting 2011: Kyle Wiltjer 6-9 PF goes to Kentucky
Top-25 recruit Wiltjer commits to UK
Kyle Wiltjer, a 6-9 senior power forward in Portland, Ore., led his Jesuit High School team to Class 6A state championships in 2009 and 2010. The Portland forward 4th high-ranked player in class remains true to his final short list which did not include UCLA and shuns Westwood to join Calamari's impressive 2011 class.
Herald-Leader Staff Report
kentuckysports.com
Updated: 6:51 AM ET Sun, Aug. 29, 2010
UK's class of 2011
High school seniors who have committed to UK for 2011, listed with their overall rankings in the class by three recruiting Web sites:
Player Ht. Pos. Hometown Rivals Scout ESPN
Anthony Davis 6-10 PF Chicago 6 1 12
Michael Gilchrist 6-6 SF Somerdale, N.J. 3 5 1
Marquis Teague 6-2 PG Indianapolis 2 6 9
Kyle Wiltjer 6-9 PF Portland, Ore. 25 21 32
It's almost time for Kentucky Coach John Calipari to move on to the class of 2012.
After securing the nation's No. 1 basketball recruiting classes for 2009 and 2010, Kentucky on Saturday put a cherry on top of what has to be considered the top-rated class of 2011.
Kyle Wiltjer, a 6-foot-9 senior power forward from Portland, Ore., announced that he will play for the Wildcats.
Wiltjer is rated the No. 21 overall prospect in the class of 2011 by recruiting service Scout.com and No. 25 by Rivals.com. ESPN places him at No. 32.
Wiltjer joins a loaded 2011 UK recruiting class that has previously received commitments from three top-10 rated prospects: 6-10 forward Anthony Davis of Chicago; 6-6 forward Michael Gilchrist of Somerdale, N.J.; and 6-2 point guard Marquis Teague of Indianapolis.
Wiltjer, who is known for his high skill level and basketball IQ, made his announcement during the Boost Mobile Elite 24 game in Venice, Calif., on Saturday night. Wiltjer made the announcement live on ESPNU at halftime.
"This is a very great recruiting class coming in (at Kentucky)," Wiltjer told the crowd. "I thought I would be a great fit."
Wiltjer chose Kentucky from a final list of seven schools that included California, Georgia Tech, Gonzaga, Kansas, Texas and Wake Forest.
Wiltjer helped lead his Jesuit High School team to Oregon Class 6A championships in 2009 and 2010.
He gained attention this summer playing in the Nike Beach Jam in South Carolina, the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio, and, earlier this month, the Nike Global Challenge in Hillsboro, Ore., where he led Team Canada to a third-place finish and made the all-tournament team.
Wiltjer has citizenship in both Canada and the United States because his father, Greg, was born in Canada.
Greg Wiltjer, a 6-11 center, played for Oregon State in the 1980s and was a member of Team Canada in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He taught his son the low-post fundamentals, including a hook shot, that have made Wiltjer an attractive recruit.
"Since the fifth grade," Wiltjer said during the King City Classic in Cleveland this summer. "He had me do what he called the George Mikan drill: Left- and right-handed hooks. I was thinking, 'Why am I doing this?' But it paid off.
"He loves the old-fashioned hook shot. No one is really ready for it. No one can really block it, so I'm picking up on it."
Wiltjer, who is not necessarily finished growing at 6-9, has said he models his versatile offensive game after that of NBA star Hedo Turkoglu, a 6-10 swingman for the Phoenix Suns who presents matchup problems with his ability to score outside or around the basket.
This summer in Cleveland, Wiltjer cited three factors that made Kentucky an attractive choice: "It's a winning program. They have a great coach. They know how to get players into the NBA."
Kyle Wiltjer, a 6-9 senior power forward in Portland, Ore., led his Jesuit High School team to Class 6A state championships in 2009 and 2010. The Portland forward 4th high-ranked player in class remains true to his final short list which did not include UCLA and shuns Westwood to join Calamari's impressive 2011 class.
Herald-Leader Staff Report
kentuckysports.com
Updated: 6:51 AM ET Sun, Aug. 29, 2010
UK's class of 2011
High school seniors who have committed to UK for 2011, listed with their overall rankings in the class by three recruiting Web sites:
Player Ht. Pos. Hometown Rivals Scout ESPN
Anthony Davis 6-10 PF Chicago 6 1 12
Michael Gilchrist 6-6 SF Somerdale, N.J. 3 5 1
Marquis Teague 6-2 PG Indianapolis 2 6 9
Kyle Wiltjer 6-9 PF Portland, Ore. 25 21 32
It's almost time for Kentucky Coach John Calipari to move on to the class of 2012.
After securing the nation's No. 1 basketball recruiting classes for 2009 and 2010, Kentucky on Saturday put a cherry on top of what has to be considered the top-rated class of 2011.
Kyle Wiltjer, a 6-foot-9 senior power forward from Portland, Ore., announced that he will play for the Wildcats.
Wiltjer is rated the No. 21 overall prospect in the class of 2011 by recruiting service Scout.com and No. 25 by Rivals.com. ESPN places him at No. 32.
Wiltjer joins a loaded 2011 UK recruiting class that has previously received commitments from three top-10 rated prospects: 6-10 forward Anthony Davis of Chicago; 6-6 forward Michael Gilchrist of Somerdale, N.J.; and 6-2 point guard Marquis Teague of Indianapolis.
Wiltjer, who is known for his high skill level and basketball IQ, made his announcement during the Boost Mobile Elite 24 game in Venice, Calif., on Saturday night. Wiltjer made the announcement live on ESPNU at halftime.
"This is a very great recruiting class coming in (at Kentucky)," Wiltjer told the crowd. "I thought I would be a great fit."
Wiltjer chose Kentucky from a final list of seven schools that included California, Georgia Tech, Gonzaga, Kansas, Texas and Wake Forest.
Wiltjer helped lead his Jesuit High School team to Oregon Class 6A championships in 2009 and 2010.
He gained attention this summer playing in the Nike Beach Jam in South Carolina, the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio, and, earlier this month, the Nike Global Challenge in Hillsboro, Ore., where he led Team Canada to a third-place finish and made the all-tournament team.
Wiltjer has citizenship in both Canada and the United States because his father, Greg, was born in Canada.
Greg Wiltjer, a 6-11 center, played for Oregon State in the 1980s and was a member of Team Canada in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He taught his son the low-post fundamentals, including a hook shot, that have made Wiltjer an attractive recruit.
"Since the fifth grade," Wiltjer said during the King City Classic in Cleveland this summer. "He had me do what he called the George Mikan drill: Left- and right-handed hooks. I was thinking, 'Why am I doing this?' But it paid off.
"He loves the old-fashioned hook shot. No one is really ready for it. No one can really block it, so I'm picking up on it."
Wiltjer, who is not necessarily finished growing at 6-9, has said he models his versatile offensive game after that of NBA star Hedo Turkoglu, a 6-10 swingman for the Phoenix Suns who presents matchup problems with his ability to score outside or around the basket.
This summer in Cleveland, Wiltjer cited three factors that made Kentucky an attractive choice: "It's a winning program. They have a great coach. They know how to get players into the NBA."
Saturday, August 28, 2010
2010 Worlds in Instanbul: USA spanks Croatia 106-78, overwhelming 2nd quarter for the US: 26 to 6
Kevin Love leads rebounding effort with game-high 10 rbds (scoring 7 pts to boot). Russell Westbrook scores 10 pts, 4 assists and 3 rbds.
Chauncey Billups scored the USA's first five points and finished with 12 points and four assists as the USA easily handled Croatia 106-78 Saturday night in its opening game of the 2010 FIBA World Championship.Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images
Second Quarter Dominance Propels USA To Win Over Croatia
USA Basketball website
Aug. 28, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
Boxscore
Photos
All it took was a dominating 26-6 second quarter performance by the U.S. to end the suspense in its debut at the 2010 World Championship preliminary round opener against Croatia (0-1). With every member of the USA team scoring, the Americans started their quest for the World title with an impressive 106-78 victory Saturday night at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey.
Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers) paced the USA offense, which was the only team to break through the century scoring mark in the World Championship’s first day of action, with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) contributed 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds; Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) finished with 12 points and four assists; while Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) scored 10 points each. Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves) led the USA on the glass, recording a game best 10 rebounds while adding seven points.
“We were pleased with the effort of our team,” said USA and Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “I thought they played us extremely well in the first quarter and then we went on a spurt … three 3-point shots that kind of broke it open. We beat a really good team tonight and we have to turn around and face another really good team tomorrow afternoon.”
Billups accounted for the USA’s first five points as the U.S. jumped out to a 7-0 lead with the game barely 1:12 old. But Croatia slowly chipped away and after Marko Banic grabbed a rebound and made the put back, Croatia had its first and only lead of the night 19-18. Westbrook made two free throws to push the USA back ahead and after the first 10 minutes the USA was holding a 22-20 lead.
Trading baskets to open the second quarter, the score stood at 24-22 in favor of the U.S. Durant quickly posted five points to launch the USA on a 12-0 run that expanded the red, white and blue’s advantage to 36-22 with 6:47 to play in quarter two.
Holding a 38-26 lead with 3:38 remaining in the second period, the U.S. brook the game wide open when Gordon drained back-to-back 3-pointers and Gay nailed a three of his own and then converted on one of two free throws to push the Americans in front 48-26 at half.
“I saw that they played zone. As long as we move the ball and if I find that open shot, I’m willing to take it and knock it down,” said Gordon.
Croatia, which made 9-of-19 shots in the first 10 minutes, was harassed into 3-of-17 shooting, including 0-of-6 from 3-point, in the second stanza, while the U.S. hit 9-of-17 shots in the second quarter.
The USA dogging defense disrupted Croatia’s offense and for the game held them to 43.7 percent shooting from the floor overall, and 33.3 percent from 3-point. Both squads protect the ball, Croatia made 12 turnovers and the U.S. just seven.
“He (Gordon) has been consistently excellent and the guys, I know, have great confidence in him as does the staff. He probably had the hardest road to being selected for this team. He didn’t get as much playing time early and then whenever he came in, he did something really good. He’s been terrific,” remarked Krzyzewski on Gordon’s play.
In Group B’s other action Saturday, Slovenia (1-0) upended Tunisia (0-1) 80-56 and Brazil (1-0) pounded Iran (0-1) 81-65. In Group A play, Argentina (1-0) fended off Germany (0-1) 78-74, Australia (1-0) rallied in the final minute to hand Jordan (0-1) a 76-75 loss, and Serbia (1-0) easily handled Angola (0-1) 94-44. In Group C, Greece (1-0) defeated China (0-1) 89-83, Russia (1-0) knocked off Puerto Rico (0-1) 75-66, and host Turkey (1-0) rolled over Ivory Coast (0-1) 86-47. Group D results saw Lithuania (1-0) beat New Zealand (0-1) 92- 79, Lebanon (1-0) surprised Canada (0-1) 81-71, while France (1-0) pulled off the upset of the night by defeating defending World Champion Spain 72-66.
The 2010 USA World Championship Team assistant coaches are Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Toronto Raptors head mentor Jay Triano.
The U.S. continues World Championship preliminary round play on Aug. 29 against Slovenia, a team it defeated 114-95 in 2006 World Championship preliminary play in their only prior World Championship meeting. The USA will then meet FIBA Americas Zone champion Brazil on Aug. 29. The USA-Brazil World Championship series stands at 6-5 in favor of the United States with the two teams’ last meeting in the 1998 World Championship. Following a day off on Aug. 31, the USA resumes play Sept. 1 against Asia Zone champ Iran, a team it has not faced previously in World Championship play, then closes out preliminary play with a contest versus Tunisia on Sept. 2, another team that the Americans have not met in World Championship action.
The 2010 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Championship for Men is being held Aug. 28- Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey. Twenty-four teams are competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and those teams were divided into four preliminary round groups consisting of six teams each.
Additional Quotes >> USA 106, Croatia 78
Aug. 28, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
On the game:
We were pleased with the effort of our team. We have great respect for Croatia. Their big guys are very good. Their guard is an outstanding shooter. I thought they played us extremely well in the first quarter and then we went on a spurt … three 3-point shots that kind of broke it open. We beat a really good team tonight and we have to turn around and face another really good team tomorrow afternoon. We respect Croatia. They are well-coached and have outstanding spirit.
On Eric Gordon’s play:
He has been consistently excellent and the guys, I know, have great confidence in him as does the staff. He probably had the hardest road to being selected for this team. He didn’t get as much playing time early and then whenever he came in, he did something really good. He’s been terrific.
Has Kevin Love found his niche on the team?
He’s been outstanding. Rebounds per minutes, he’s off the charts. He’s fundamentally sound and he’s a two-handed rebounder. He’s getting his minutes … he was hurt for a little bit so that confused where he was on the team. We have a lot of confidence in Kevin.
On the USA’s starting backcourt:
You have a veteran who has won an NBA championship (Billups) and you have a great player, a great young player in Derrick and that combination is really good. I think they blended very well, but if Derrick is out of the game, I can put Chauncey at the point also. No one is going to play 40 full minutes in a game.
What did you think of your bench and how do you approach every game?
Overall, we played well offensively. I didn’t think our bench as well defensively which that’s a concern. But, we have a balanced team. It could be two guys who look really good, outstanding … the rest of them look good one game and then two different guys will do that. We have confidence in our bench. We came in expecting a tough game and we got it for a quarter and because we expected that, we played better and we expect it tomorrow and the next day. We have to expect it every day. The thing that we have learned in the five years I’ve been the national coach is just accept every game and play each game really hard. And, our team is trying to do that.
Tyson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks)
On Eric Gordon:
Every practice, every exhibition game, he’s been incredible for us. He scores the ball. I didn’t realize the way he scores the ball.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game overall, how did it feel to get out there?
It felt good. To really play a game when they count, it felt good and everybody came out and contributed. That’s what I like to see. Defensive effort was great. We got a lot of things to work on though.
What happened in the second quarter to change the game?
Our point guards, D-Rose and Chauncey, they said we got to build a big lead. We got three games in three nights and we wanted to build a big lead. We came out and were scrapping on the defensive end and guys made shots. We made the easy plays.
On only seven turnovers by the USA:
That’s what we need. We can’t turn the ball over here. Teams capitalize on that. Everybody did a great job of finding the open man and also making shots.
What are the areas of improvement after tonight?
We got to improve on our defensive rebounding. We got to continue to make the easy play, I think and guys just got to shoot shots. Sometimes we overpass and the defense gets set like that. We got to drive and kick like we’ve been working on in practice and guys got to make shots.
Thoughts on playing Slovenia?
Those guys are tough. They have a big crowd here too. So, it’s going to be a tough environment for us. It’s something that we’re used to so far. Playing in Spain and playing in Greece. We know what it takes to win in a tough environment. We got to come out there and play our game.
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)
On the game, good to finally play in the tournament?
It was good. These ones count so it’s good to play against teams and everybody have meaning behind it.
On the second quarter run?
We just did a little bit of what we think we can do every game. We pressured them, made it tough for them to score and also scored on our end.
Was ball protection a big focus coming into the tournament?
Yeah, it’s definitely a focus for us. If we take care of the ball and we rebound, we won’t lose.
What was the environment in the arena like?
I know it’s going to be a little different tomorrow. Today was what I expected but tomorrow is going to be something else.
Thoughts on playing Slovenia?
Obviously a lot of the guys play in the league. We play against them on a day to day basis but the other guys are who we need to worry about … the other guys that do some of the things; we have to watch tape and figure out how we need to play against them.
What is focus on improving tomorrow?
Rebounding. We had a stretch where we couldn’t get a rebound during this game and that’s what hurt us in the first quarter. We can’t come into tomorrow’s game like that.
Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers)
On the two shots you hit that changed momentum:
I saw that they played zone. As long as we move the ball and if I find that open shot, I’m willing to take it and knock it down.
What are you trying to do to get open shots?
Well yeah, as long as I see them coming at me, best thing I can do is penetrate to the basket and either kick it or make it all the way to the basket. If you can keep playing inside and out, it’s going to be really successful.
Could you feel Croatia lose energy during that run?
We definitely came out very hard in the third quarter and put it away. We had good runs in the first half. The third quarter really pushed us.
What was the team’s game plan?
Same thing … to play really good defense. They’re a good 3-point shooting team and we just try to limit that and try to create steals as much as possible.
On the Croatian guards:
Their guard play is pretty good … they have pretty good guards who can really shoot. Popovich can play for his height. Their guard play is pretty good.
Do you think the Croatian teams underestimated you?
No. We’ve played against many other teams and I’ve hit 3’s against basically every team so I just try to keep on doing that against whoever we play. We’re just playing together. When we play together, anything can happen.
Who is the USA’s main competitor for the World Championship?
I don’t know. We just have to see. We played Spain earlier and they gave us a good run so they are a really good team as well.
I’m just out trying to play and competing and just trying to win this World Championship. To me, it doesn’t matter how many points I score. I just try to contribute and help this team win.
On being called too young, too small, not deep, etc.?
We like that type of adversity. People think we’re too young or too small. We’re playing well as a team and we play much faster when we’re smaller. We’re just so happy to be all part of the team.
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
On the game, good to finally play in the tournament?
It was good. Training camp went well. Exhibition games went well. We are trying to take it one game at a time. Tonight really showed if we clamped down our defense, it’s going to be tough to beat us. We got to continue to focus on that area and let the game be easy for us.
On the second period run:
It started from the first possession. We really clamped down. Our point of emphasis was to make them take tough shots and make them play out of their comfort zone and we did that. They didn’t have too many turnovers – they took care of the ball, they only had two in the second quarter – but we were able to get them out of their comfort zone, get out on the break, use our athleticism and make the game easy for us.
On protecting the ball:
We just got to make simple plays. We got all the best players in the NBA … we’re all the go to guys on our team so we just need to make the game easier for each other … not press too much … just play easy basketball and defense.
What is the focus on improvement for tomorrow?
We got to play better defense. We got to follow the mode of the second quarter for the first, third and fourth quarters … put teams away early and not let them really get their confidence up.
On thoughts on playing Slovenia:
We’re going to get everyone’s best game so tomorrow, they have a few guys that play in the league. (Goran) Dragic had a great year with the Suns. I know he’s looking forward to having a good game. They are going to come out and try to have their best game.
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
On the game:
I think we came out a little excited in the beginning to where we just wanted to go out and play because we hadn’t played in a while. We had really attack a good team. We made it easy for them in the beginning, both for their post players and their guards. They really prepared us for the game tomorrow against Slovenia. It’s going to be hard but we welcome the challenge.
On Eric Gordon’s play:
Eric is probably our best shooter on the team. He really can change the game.
On comparing his first NBA game to his first World Championship game:
It’s totally different. My first game in the NBA, I was playing against people that I looked up to when I was younger. My first game actually was against Jason Kidd in the NBA and I was in awe of even stepping on the court because I look up to him and all the great players on their team like Dirk. Here, it’s totally different where the crowd is totally different, the players are totally different, the game is different so you got to approach every game … these games, you have to come out real quick … even in the layup line, you have to go hard because if you come out drowsy, they can definitely win the game just at the beginning. So, it’s totally different and I’m just happy to be here.
Do you take on more responsibility as the starting point guard?
A little bit. When I’m on the court, yes. I know when I’m playing with Chauncey, I’m definitely comfortable out there because he’s so smart and knows so much about the game that I’m trying to – his knowledge is so high – I’m trying to get to that level. He makes everybody comfortable out there when he’s in the game because he’s a veteran and he’s been in tough situations. I’m learning from him and it’s definitely helping my game right now.
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game:
We started off a little slow but we defended a lot better in the second quarter and that put us over the hump.
What happened in the second quarter to change the game?
We just picked up the defense, got out in transition, got easy baskets and got to the line and got us some free throws up.
On the team only having seven turnovers:
Myself, I had two of those. I got to be mindful of that. I think everybody else did a good job of taking care of the ball. And we did a good job of converting off the other team’s turnovers.
On tomorrow night’s game vs. Slovenia, what is the team’s focus?
Defending. It’s always going to be the focus for us. Defending and rebounding. I mean as long as we continue to defend and rebound, we’ll be ready to go.
________
USA starts worlds with a shellacking of Croatia
FIBA.com
28/08/2010
ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) -The United States broke open a close game in the second quarter and stormed to a 106-78 victory over Croatia in the second Group B game of the day in the Abdi Ipecki.
The Croatians, on the back of excellent efforts from the youngsters Ante Tomic, Bojan Bogdanovic and Luksa Andric in the first quarter, out-rebounded the USA 12-9 in the first quarter and only trailed 22-20.
When the second frame got underway, the teams traded baskets before a Kevin Durant three-point play after a dunk sparked a 14-2 run that put the USA in command at 36-22.
The USA defense held Croatia to just six points in the quarter and also dominated the boards en route to a 48-26 lead at half-time.
Durant, Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon each had nine points at the break and the Americans marched to a decisive triumph.
The USA, who face Slovenia in their next game on Sunday, got 14 points Durant and 16 from Eric Gordon.
Chauncey Billups scored the USA's first five points and finished with 12 points and four assists as the USA easily handled Croatia 106-78 Saturday night in its opening game of the 2010 FIBA World Championship.Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty ImagesSecond Quarter Dominance Propels USA To Win Over Croatia
USA Basketball website
Aug. 28, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
Boxscore
Photos
All it took was a dominating 26-6 second quarter performance by the U.S. to end the suspense in its debut at the 2010 World Championship preliminary round opener against Croatia (0-1). With every member of the USA team scoring, the Americans started their quest for the World title with an impressive 106-78 victory Saturday night at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey.
Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers) paced the USA offense, which was the only team to break through the century scoring mark in the World Championship’s first day of action, with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) contributed 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds; Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) finished with 12 points and four assists; while Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) scored 10 points each. Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves) led the USA on the glass, recording a game best 10 rebounds while adding seven points.
“We were pleased with the effort of our team,” said USA and Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “I thought they played us extremely well in the first quarter and then we went on a spurt … three 3-point shots that kind of broke it open. We beat a really good team tonight and we have to turn around and face another really good team tomorrow afternoon.”
Billups accounted for the USA’s first five points as the U.S. jumped out to a 7-0 lead with the game barely 1:12 old. But Croatia slowly chipped away and after Marko Banic grabbed a rebound and made the put back, Croatia had its first and only lead of the night 19-18. Westbrook made two free throws to push the USA back ahead and after the first 10 minutes the USA was holding a 22-20 lead.
Trading baskets to open the second quarter, the score stood at 24-22 in favor of the U.S. Durant quickly posted five points to launch the USA on a 12-0 run that expanded the red, white and blue’s advantage to 36-22 with 6:47 to play in quarter two.
Holding a 38-26 lead with 3:38 remaining in the second period, the U.S. brook the game wide open when Gordon drained back-to-back 3-pointers and Gay nailed a three of his own and then converted on one of two free throws to push the Americans in front 48-26 at half.
“I saw that they played zone. As long as we move the ball and if I find that open shot, I’m willing to take it and knock it down,” said Gordon.
Croatia, which made 9-of-19 shots in the first 10 minutes, was harassed into 3-of-17 shooting, including 0-of-6 from 3-point, in the second stanza, while the U.S. hit 9-of-17 shots in the second quarter.
The USA dogging defense disrupted Croatia’s offense and for the game held them to 43.7 percent shooting from the floor overall, and 33.3 percent from 3-point. Both squads protect the ball, Croatia made 12 turnovers and the U.S. just seven.
“He (Gordon) has been consistently excellent and the guys, I know, have great confidence in him as does the staff. He probably had the hardest road to being selected for this team. He didn’t get as much playing time early and then whenever he came in, he did something really good. He’s been terrific,” remarked Krzyzewski on Gordon’s play.
In Group B’s other action Saturday, Slovenia (1-0) upended Tunisia (0-1) 80-56 and Brazil (1-0) pounded Iran (0-1) 81-65. In Group A play, Argentina (1-0) fended off Germany (0-1) 78-74, Australia (1-0) rallied in the final minute to hand Jordan (0-1) a 76-75 loss, and Serbia (1-0) easily handled Angola (0-1) 94-44. In Group C, Greece (1-0) defeated China (0-1) 89-83, Russia (1-0) knocked off Puerto Rico (0-1) 75-66, and host Turkey (1-0) rolled over Ivory Coast (0-1) 86-47. Group D results saw Lithuania (1-0) beat New Zealand (0-1) 92- 79, Lebanon (1-0) surprised Canada (0-1) 81-71, while France (1-0) pulled off the upset of the night by defeating defending World Champion Spain 72-66.
The 2010 USA World Championship Team assistant coaches are Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Toronto Raptors head mentor Jay Triano.
The U.S. continues World Championship preliminary round play on Aug. 29 against Slovenia, a team it defeated 114-95 in 2006 World Championship preliminary play in their only prior World Championship meeting. The USA will then meet FIBA Americas Zone champion Brazil on Aug. 29. The USA-Brazil World Championship series stands at 6-5 in favor of the United States with the two teams’ last meeting in the 1998 World Championship. Following a day off on Aug. 31, the USA resumes play Sept. 1 against Asia Zone champ Iran, a team it has not faced previously in World Championship play, then closes out preliminary play with a contest versus Tunisia on Sept. 2, another team that the Americans have not met in World Championship action.
The 2010 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Championship for Men is being held Aug. 28- Sept. 12 in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, Turkey. Twenty-four teams are competing in the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and those teams were divided into four preliminary round groups consisting of six teams each.
Additional Quotes >> USA 106, Croatia 78
Aug. 28, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
On the game:
We were pleased with the effort of our team. We have great respect for Croatia. Their big guys are very good. Their guard is an outstanding shooter. I thought they played us extremely well in the first quarter and then we went on a spurt … three 3-point shots that kind of broke it open. We beat a really good team tonight and we have to turn around and face another really good team tomorrow afternoon. We respect Croatia. They are well-coached and have outstanding spirit.
On Eric Gordon’s play:
He has been consistently excellent and the guys, I know, have great confidence in him as does the staff. He probably had the hardest road to being selected for this team. He didn’t get as much playing time early and then whenever he came in, he did something really good. He’s been terrific.
Has Kevin Love found his niche on the team?
He’s been outstanding. Rebounds per minutes, he’s off the charts. He’s fundamentally sound and he’s a two-handed rebounder. He’s getting his minutes … he was hurt for a little bit so that confused where he was on the team. We have a lot of confidence in Kevin.
On the USA’s starting backcourt:
You have a veteran who has won an NBA championship (Billups) and you have a great player, a great young player in Derrick and that combination is really good. I think they blended very well, but if Derrick is out of the game, I can put Chauncey at the point also. No one is going to play 40 full minutes in a game.
What did you think of your bench and how do you approach every game?
Overall, we played well offensively. I didn’t think our bench as well defensively which that’s a concern. But, we have a balanced team. It could be two guys who look really good, outstanding … the rest of them look good one game and then two different guys will do that. We have confidence in our bench. We came in expecting a tough game and we got it for a quarter and because we expected that, we played better and we expect it tomorrow and the next day. We have to expect it every day. The thing that we have learned in the five years I’ve been the national coach is just accept every game and play each game really hard. And, our team is trying to do that.
Tyson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks)
On Eric Gordon:
Every practice, every exhibition game, he’s been incredible for us. He scores the ball. I didn’t realize the way he scores the ball.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game overall, how did it feel to get out there?
It felt good. To really play a game when they count, it felt good and everybody came out and contributed. That’s what I like to see. Defensive effort was great. We got a lot of things to work on though.
What happened in the second quarter to change the game?
Our point guards, D-Rose and Chauncey, they said we got to build a big lead. We got three games in three nights and we wanted to build a big lead. We came out and were scrapping on the defensive end and guys made shots. We made the easy plays.
On only seven turnovers by the USA:
That’s what we need. We can’t turn the ball over here. Teams capitalize on that. Everybody did a great job of finding the open man and also making shots.
What are the areas of improvement after tonight?
We got to improve on our defensive rebounding. We got to continue to make the easy play, I think and guys just got to shoot shots. Sometimes we overpass and the defense gets set like that. We got to drive and kick like we’ve been working on in practice and guys got to make shots.
Thoughts on playing Slovenia?
Those guys are tough. They have a big crowd here too. So, it’s going to be a tough environment for us. It’s something that we’re used to so far. Playing in Spain and playing in Greece. We know what it takes to win in a tough environment. We got to come out there and play our game.
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)
On the game, good to finally play in the tournament?
It was good. These ones count so it’s good to play against teams and everybody have meaning behind it.
On the second quarter run?
We just did a little bit of what we think we can do every game. We pressured them, made it tough for them to score and also scored on our end.
Was ball protection a big focus coming into the tournament?
Yeah, it’s definitely a focus for us. If we take care of the ball and we rebound, we won’t lose.
What was the environment in the arena like?
I know it’s going to be a little different tomorrow. Today was what I expected but tomorrow is going to be something else.
Thoughts on playing Slovenia?
Obviously a lot of the guys play in the league. We play against them on a day to day basis but the other guys are who we need to worry about … the other guys that do some of the things; we have to watch tape and figure out how we need to play against them.
What is focus on improving tomorrow?
Rebounding. We had a stretch where we couldn’t get a rebound during this game and that’s what hurt us in the first quarter. We can’t come into tomorrow’s game like that.
Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers)
On the two shots you hit that changed momentum:
I saw that they played zone. As long as we move the ball and if I find that open shot, I’m willing to take it and knock it down.
What are you trying to do to get open shots?
Well yeah, as long as I see them coming at me, best thing I can do is penetrate to the basket and either kick it or make it all the way to the basket. If you can keep playing inside and out, it’s going to be really successful.
Could you feel Croatia lose energy during that run?
We definitely came out very hard in the third quarter and put it away. We had good runs in the first half. The third quarter really pushed us.
What was the team’s game plan?
Same thing … to play really good defense. They’re a good 3-point shooting team and we just try to limit that and try to create steals as much as possible.
On the Croatian guards:
Their guard play is pretty good … they have pretty good guards who can really shoot. Popovich can play for his height. Their guard play is pretty good.
Do you think the Croatian teams underestimated you?
No. We’ve played against many other teams and I’ve hit 3’s against basically every team so I just try to keep on doing that against whoever we play. We’re just playing together. When we play together, anything can happen.
Who is the USA’s main competitor for the World Championship?
I don’t know. We just have to see. We played Spain earlier and they gave us a good run so they are a really good team as well.
I’m just out trying to play and competing and just trying to win this World Championship. To me, it doesn’t matter how many points I score. I just try to contribute and help this team win.
On being called too young, too small, not deep, etc.?
We like that type of adversity. People think we’re too young or too small. We’re playing well as a team and we play much faster when we’re smaller. We’re just so happy to be all part of the team.
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
On the game, good to finally play in the tournament?
It was good. Training camp went well. Exhibition games went well. We are trying to take it one game at a time. Tonight really showed if we clamped down our defense, it’s going to be tough to beat us. We got to continue to focus on that area and let the game be easy for us.
On the second period run:
It started from the first possession. We really clamped down. Our point of emphasis was to make them take tough shots and make them play out of their comfort zone and we did that. They didn’t have too many turnovers – they took care of the ball, they only had two in the second quarter – but we were able to get them out of their comfort zone, get out on the break, use our athleticism and make the game easy for us.
On protecting the ball:
We just got to make simple plays. We got all the best players in the NBA … we’re all the go to guys on our team so we just need to make the game easier for each other … not press too much … just play easy basketball and defense.
What is the focus on improvement for tomorrow?
We got to play better defense. We got to follow the mode of the second quarter for the first, third and fourth quarters … put teams away early and not let them really get their confidence up.
On thoughts on playing Slovenia:
We’re going to get everyone’s best game so tomorrow, they have a few guys that play in the league. (Goran) Dragic had a great year with the Suns. I know he’s looking forward to having a good game. They are going to come out and try to have their best game.
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
On the game:
I think we came out a little excited in the beginning to where we just wanted to go out and play because we hadn’t played in a while. We had really attack a good team. We made it easy for them in the beginning, both for their post players and their guards. They really prepared us for the game tomorrow against Slovenia. It’s going to be hard but we welcome the challenge.
On Eric Gordon’s play:
Eric is probably our best shooter on the team. He really can change the game.
On comparing his first NBA game to his first World Championship game:
It’s totally different. My first game in the NBA, I was playing against people that I looked up to when I was younger. My first game actually was against Jason Kidd in the NBA and I was in awe of even stepping on the court because I look up to him and all the great players on their team like Dirk. Here, it’s totally different where the crowd is totally different, the players are totally different, the game is different so you got to approach every game … these games, you have to come out real quick … even in the layup line, you have to go hard because if you come out drowsy, they can definitely win the game just at the beginning. So, it’s totally different and I’m just happy to be here.
Do you take on more responsibility as the starting point guard?
A little bit. When I’m on the court, yes. I know when I’m playing with Chauncey, I’m definitely comfortable out there because he’s so smart and knows so much about the game that I’m trying to – his knowledge is so high – I’m trying to get to that level. He makes everybody comfortable out there when he’s in the game because he’s a veteran and he’s been in tough situations. I’m learning from him and it’s definitely helping my game right now.
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
On the game:
We started off a little slow but we defended a lot better in the second quarter and that put us over the hump.
What happened in the second quarter to change the game?
We just picked up the defense, got out in transition, got easy baskets and got to the line and got us some free throws up.
On the team only having seven turnovers:
Myself, I had two of those. I got to be mindful of that. I think everybody else did a good job of taking care of the ball. And we did a good job of converting off the other team’s turnovers.
On tomorrow night’s game vs. Slovenia, what is the team’s focus?
Defending. It’s always going to be the focus for us. Defending and rebounding. I mean as long as we continue to defend and rebound, we’ll be ready to go.
________
USA starts worlds with a shellacking of Croatia
FIBA.com
28/08/2010
ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) -The United States broke open a close game in the second quarter and stormed to a 106-78 victory over Croatia in the second Group B game of the day in the Abdi Ipecki.
The Croatians, on the back of excellent efforts from the youngsters Ante Tomic, Bojan Bogdanovic and Luksa Andric in the first quarter, out-rebounded the USA 12-9 in the first quarter and only trailed 22-20.
When the second frame got underway, the teams traded baskets before a Kevin Durant three-point play after a dunk sparked a 14-2 run that put the USA in command at 36-22.
The USA defense held Croatia to just six points in the quarter and also dominated the boards en route to a 48-26 lead at half-time.
Durant, Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon each had nine points at the break and the Americans marched to a decisive triumph.
The USA, who face Slovenia in their next game on Sunday, got 14 points Durant and 16 from Eric Gordon.
USA Basketball: Ready for the World.....Championships in Turkey
USA Ready For Worlds To Tip, First up: Croatia
USA Basketball website
Aug. 27, 2010
Istanbul, Turkey
2004.
That’s the last time a USA men’s national team visited Istanbul, Turkey and Abdi Ipekci Arena, site of the USA’s five preliminary round games of the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men.
Prior to competing in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, the USA National Team made a stop in Istanbul for a pair of exhibition games versus Turkey. The Americans captured a pair of victories, posting a 79-67 win (8/8/04) and two days later battled to an 80-68 victory (8/10/04).
One member of that 2004 USA Men’s National Team is current USA team veteran Lamar Odom.
“I’ve been here before. Lot of culture. Great people,” said Odom about being in Istanbul. Asked what he remembered from the last time he was here, he offered up “Intensity. We had a tough morning that morning. Things happened and we had to come here and play a game in a hostile environment.”
Lamar Odom following the USA's first practice in Turkey.
The U.S. will open the ‘10 Worlds on Aug. 28 against Croatia. The game tips off at 12 p.m. EDT and will be televised live on ESPN Classic and re-aired on ESPN2 at 11 p.m. EDT.
The U.S. has never faced Croatia in World Championship play, but the Americans have met the European basketball proud country in the Olympics and boast of a 3-0 record in those clashes. But Coach K is not about to allow his team to overlook any team, and certainly not a talented team like Croatia.
When asked by a foreign journalist if he had any concern about the USA’s opener, Coach K responded “Oh yeah, I’m concerned about every game. Because they are good, and we know they play with a lot of pride and they are bigger than we are. If it becomes a very physical game, or if we don’t rebound, then they’re going to get a lot of second and third shots. If we can rebound then we’ll be able to run.
The U.S. mentor who guided the Americans to gold in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics, continued to pile on the praise for the European power.
“We have a lot of respect for them (Croatia). Their guard play is outstanding, (Roko) Ukic is one of the best international guards and (Marko) Popovic is just a veteran. Their size is a concern, they have five guys who were 6-11 or above so we don’t have as big of team. They have a rich tradition and we have a lot of respect for who they are,” remarked Coach Krzyzewski who is directing his third USA team in a FIBA World Championship.
Odom, who in 11 NBA seasons has won two NBA championships, knows something about what it takes to win and thinks he knows a key for USA success in Turkey.
“Our goal is to be the best defensive team in the tournament. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a pretty good chance to win.”
Croatia is certain to test the USA and the Americans will be looking to continue to build on what was accomplished during its exhibition tour that saw it produce impressive wins over France (86-55), Lithuania (77-61), Spain (86-85) and Greece (87-59).
__________
Additional Quotes >> USA practice in Istanbul (8/27/10)
Aug. 27, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
About the USA’s first opponent Croatia:
We have a lot of respect for them, Their guard play is outstanding, (Roko) Ukic is one of the best international guards and (Marko) Popovic is just a veteran. There size is a concern, they have five guys who were 6-11 or above so we don’t have as big of team. They have a rich tradition and we have a lot of respect for who they are.
Is there any concern for you in this game?
Oh yeah, I’m concerned about every game. Because they are good, and we know they play with a lot of pride and they are bigger than we are. If it becomes a very physical game, or if we don’t rebound, then they’re going to get a lot of second and third shots. If we can rebound then we’ll be able to run.
By beating Greece by 28 points did you send a message?
It ‘s an exhibition game. They didn’t have two of their players in the game, two of their best inside players (Sofoklis Schortsanitas and Yiannis Bourousis). Bourousis is one of the best big men in Europe and Schortsanitas is the most unique big man in Europe. I thought we played well but it was an exhibition, we’re happy that we won but the real thing starts tomorrow.
What are your first impressions about the arena where you will play.
I like the arena. We played in Greece and the court wasn’t highlighted, the lighting was quite different and so far removed. Here you’re right on top and then the court is highlighted, I thought it was a really good shooter background. It’s more like a U.S. gym. I think it’s a basketball gym and I think a really good venue.
What do you think of the city?
Well the pride that the people have. It’s so clean, there’s no graffiti and even though there are 13 million people you can see where people have pride. There are flags for their country all over, you feel like you’re in a country where people are proud to be a part of it. It’s a beautiful country…since I’ve never been to Turkey I find Istanbul to be a very unique, beautiful, beautiful city.
What do you make of the USA in the World Championship, only winning the gold medal three times, is that hard to explain?
I don’t think so. I think the world puts such an emphasis on it and we send different teams all the time. Their countries send their main (national) teams. For a long time it was just the college players competing and then internationally for us it wasn’t always that competition that everybody wanted to play in like the Olympics. So we’ve had unique teams that have come here and I think the teams that we’ve sent have had more room for error just like ours. We have a really good team but there’s room for error because we’re not big and we’re not old.
You’ve had two shots at this as a coach, how much would you like to win it?
We’d really like to do it. The first time (1990) was the last time the college kids played and Russia and Yugoslavia were still together and there’s no way you were going to beat them. Both of them could have been NBA teams at that time and a lot of their players ended up being in the NBA. The last time (2006) I thought our culture wasn’t set enough to do it. We were young, we’re a little bit young like we are now, ….but we have a better culture in place (now) so we have a great chance to win, but it’s not a done deal, there’s a lot of good teams here. We’re not taking anything for granted; we know that we can get beat here.
Kevin Love’s standing on the depth chart change because of his performance against Greece?
Not so much his standing but the fact that we can use him at different times. It’s not going to be always Tyson (Chandler) coming in for Lamar (Odom), it depends on situations. But he had a very strong performance. I thought Danny (Granger) did a good job too… it’s tough to play everybody. I thought they showed great attitudes, we’re in good health, and it will be situational with those guys..
Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets)
On the team’s focus entering the Croatia game:
We are focused on every opponent and respecting every opponent. I think that’s going to be the key. Not looking ahead. Knowing that there’s a lot of great teams in this World Championship. You can’t look ahead … have to take one game at a time.
What do you know about the Slovenian team?
Actually, I’m not even thinking about the Slovenian team right now. I’m worrying about Croatia. After that game, I’ll change my direction to Slovenia.
Who is the top team in your group at the World Championship?
I don’t know. I know Brazil is a great team. Croatia is a great team as well as Slovenia. I won’t be able to answer that until I play all three teams.
Who are the favorites in the tournament?
Of course, the defending champion Spain is going to be great. Greece will be great. Argentina is going to be great. Of course, I feel like we are the best team in it but we got to still prove that.
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
On playing Croatia
I haven’t played against them before so it will be a whole new learning experience for me.
Will they be a tough opponent?
Definitely. The way that they play, very organized … I guess they’ve been together for a while so they have that experience on us. The way that they move the ball and they shoot the ball – the point guard can shoot it very well … We’re going to have to play good defense.
What is your advantage over Croatia?
If we can rebound and use our speed an athleticism, that will be to our advantage. Being able to pressure on defense full-court and get into them and try to take them out of their offense because their offense is really. So those things will help us out.
Do the World Championships give you a chance to learn more about other countries?
Definitely. It’s not just about playing games, you study the team, get a little bit of their history, interact with some of their fans. I think it is a learning experience and we don’t get this opportunity very often so you don’t want it to just let it pass by without learning something.
What are your thoughts on Turkey?
Turkey is nice. I had a teammate in college who is from here and he used to tell me all about it. I now get to see it for the first time. I like the city. Hopefully, we’ll get to see a little more of it while we’re here.
Were the guys taking photo of the scenery when you arrived?
Yeah, especially at the hotel right on the water. I’m sure on a day off or two, we’re going to get out and tour the city a little bit. So far, it’s a beautiful city … very modern looking … I like it.
How much do you know about Turkey?
I don’t know much now, but definitely going to take advantage of the time here and bring something back and learn a little bit.
Do you know the USA’s record in the World Championships?
I know we haven’t won since ’94. I think we finished 3rd in (2006) but other than that, it’s all about winning and we haven’t done that in 16 years so I think we should get it done this time.
Surprising that the USA has only one this tournament three times?
Yes but it just tells you how good international basketball is now and how you can’t just put a team together and go over and expect to win every year. It’s a tough thing to do and it’s gonna make it that much more special if we take care of business and get it done while we’re here.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
How is the team coming together?
We are getting better every game and we’re getting more acclimated with each other’s play … where guys need the ball … how guys play on the defensive end so our team is getting better every day.
Many are saying that if USA is having problems, it will be under the basket?
I think that we have enough athleticism and quickness to make up for that. That is a big area where we don’t have a lot of centers. We got Lamar Odom who is really a power or small forward playing center. He does a great job and he is going to cause a lot of mismatches on the offensive end for us.
Maybe Croatia have a chance in that area?
Their big man is pretty good. We have to help each other out and I think we’ll be alright.
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)
How was practice today?
Today, we really got into detail. We were trying to go over our sets and make sure when we go into the real games that we know what we are doing. There are no more exhibitions. Now, it’s the real thing. If we lose, we’re setback so we’re trying to limit those possibilities.
How do you feel about the team entering the tournament?
I feel as those we are where we should be. We’ve progressed. When we first came in here to our first game, it was kind of sloppy. We’re limiting our turnovers and learning to play with each other easier. That will help me during the season when I play these guys.
What do you think of Turkey so far?
Turkey is nice. Our hotel is beautiful, right by the water. It’s been fun so far.
Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers)
How was practice and are you excited to get it going tomorrow?
Definitely. I’m glad the exhibition games are over so we can start playing games that really mean something.
What do you think of Turkey so far?
I like Turkey. The area we are staying in is beautiful … the Bosphorous River is great … it’s a very, very pretty area.
What do you think of the arena?
I like the arena, looks like an NBA arena almost. I definitely like it.
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
How do you expect teams to play you?
We’re a fast team. Some teams may try to slow it down on us and try to take it possession by possession. We’re going to try to put some pressure on them, every team we play. We figure we are one of the deeper teams. Our first and second units are just as good. We’re going to try work as a team.
How was practice today? Are you ready at this point just to play?
I thought today went well. Everybody was really keyed in today. We are getting our sets right. We’re getting focused on other team’s sets on the scout. We shot the ball well and I think we’re really focused.
What do you think of Turkey so far?
Beautiful. I am just enjoying the time, enjoying the hotel, relaxing and just playing ball.
Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers)
Are you excited to be in Turkey?
I’ve been here before. Lot of culture. Great people. It’s finally fun to get here and get it going. We’ve been together a month and we’ve got a couple more days here so to finally get the tournament going and play against some other competition. Practices are little lighter.
What do you remember from the last time you were here?
Intensity. We had a tough morning that morning. Things happened and we had to come here and play a game in a hostile environment. We expect the same.
Are you excited to get the World Championship going?
Yeah, it’s time, it’s time. We went from Vegas back to New York and to Spain and Greece … all the traveling we’ve done … all the teams we’ve played against. Now it’s time to take it out on someone else.
Do you feel good where the team is at?
Yeah. Our goal is to be the best defensive team in the tournament. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a pretty good chance to win.
USA Basketball websiteAug. 27, 2010
Istanbul, Turkey
2004.
That’s the last time a USA men’s national team visited Istanbul, Turkey and Abdi Ipekci Arena, site of the USA’s five preliminary round games of the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men.
Prior to competing in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, the USA National Team made a stop in Istanbul for a pair of exhibition games versus Turkey. The Americans captured a pair of victories, posting a 79-67 win (8/8/04) and two days later battled to an 80-68 victory (8/10/04).
One member of that 2004 USA Men’s National Team is current USA team veteran Lamar Odom.
“I’ve been here before. Lot of culture. Great people,” said Odom about being in Istanbul. Asked what he remembered from the last time he was here, he offered up “Intensity. We had a tough morning that morning. Things happened and we had to come here and play a game in a hostile environment.”
Lamar Odom following the USA's first practice in Turkey.
The U.S. will open the ‘10 Worlds on Aug. 28 against Croatia. The game tips off at 12 p.m. EDT and will be televised live on ESPN Classic and re-aired on ESPN2 at 11 p.m. EDT.
The U.S. has never faced Croatia in World Championship play, but the Americans have met the European basketball proud country in the Olympics and boast of a 3-0 record in those clashes. But Coach K is not about to allow his team to overlook any team, and certainly not a talented team like Croatia.
When asked by a foreign journalist if he had any concern about the USA’s opener, Coach K responded “Oh yeah, I’m concerned about every game. Because they are good, and we know they play with a lot of pride and they are bigger than we are. If it becomes a very physical game, or if we don’t rebound, then they’re going to get a lot of second and third shots. If we can rebound then we’ll be able to run.
The U.S. mentor who guided the Americans to gold in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics, continued to pile on the praise for the European power.
“We have a lot of respect for them (Croatia). Their guard play is outstanding, (Roko) Ukic is one of the best international guards and (Marko) Popovic is just a veteran. Their size is a concern, they have five guys who were 6-11 or above so we don’t have as big of team. They have a rich tradition and we have a lot of respect for who they are,” remarked Coach Krzyzewski who is directing his third USA team in a FIBA World Championship.
Odom, who in 11 NBA seasons has won two NBA championships, knows something about what it takes to win and thinks he knows a key for USA success in Turkey.
“Our goal is to be the best defensive team in the tournament. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a pretty good chance to win.”
Croatia is certain to test the USA and the Americans will be looking to continue to build on what was accomplished during its exhibition tour that saw it produce impressive wins over France (86-55), Lithuania (77-61), Spain (86-85) and Greece (87-59).
__________
Additional Quotes >> USA practice in Istanbul (8/27/10)
Aug. 27, 2010 • Istanbul, Turkey
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University)
About the USA’s first opponent Croatia:
We have a lot of respect for them, Their guard play is outstanding, (Roko) Ukic is one of the best international guards and (Marko) Popovic is just a veteran. There size is a concern, they have five guys who were 6-11 or above so we don’t have as big of team. They have a rich tradition and we have a lot of respect for who they are.
Is there any concern for you in this game?
Oh yeah, I’m concerned about every game. Because they are good, and we know they play with a lot of pride and they are bigger than we are. If it becomes a very physical game, or if we don’t rebound, then they’re going to get a lot of second and third shots. If we can rebound then we’ll be able to run.
By beating Greece by 28 points did you send a message?
It ‘s an exhibition game. They didn’t have two of their players in the game, two of their best inside players (Sofoklis Schortsanitas and Yiannis Bourousis). Bourousis is one of the best big men in Europe and Schortsanitas is the most unique big man in Europe. I thought we played well but it was an exhibition, we’re happy that we won but the real thing starts tomorrow.
What are your first impressions about the arena where you will play.
I like the arena. We played in Greece and the court wasn’t highlighted, the lighting was quite different and so far removed. Here you’re right on top and then the court is highlighted, I thought it was a really good shooter background. It’s more like a U.S. gym. I think it’s a basketball gym and I think a really good venue.
What do you think of the city?
Well the pride that the people have. It’s so clean, there’s no graffiti and even though there are 13 million people you can see where people have pride. There are flags for their country all over, you feel like you’re in a country where people are proud to be a part of it. It’s a beautiful country…since I’ve never been to Turkey I find Istanbul to be a very unique, beautiful, beautiful city.
What do you make of the USA in the World Championship, only winning the gold medal three times, is that hard to explain?
I don’t think so. I think the world puts such an emphasis on it and we send different teams all the time. Their countries send their main (national) teams. For a long time it was just the college players competing and then internationally for us it wasn’t always that competition that everybody wanted to play in like the Olympics. So we’ve had unique teams that have come here and I think the teams that we’ve sent have had more room for error just like ours. We have a really good team but there’s room for error because we’re not big and we’re not old.
You’ve had two shots at this as a coach, how much would you like to win it?
We’d really like to do it. The first time (1990) was the last time the college kids played and Russia and Yugoslavia were still together and there’s no way you were going to beat them. Both of them could have been NBA teams at that time and a lot of their players ended up being in the NBA. The last time (2006) I thought our culture wasn’t set enough to do it. We were young, we’re a little bit young like we are now, ….but we have a better culture in place (now) so we have a great chance to win, but it’s not a done deal, there’s a lot of good teams here. We’re not taking anything for granted; we know that we can get beat here.
Kevin Love’s standing on the depth chart change because of his performance against Greece?
Not so much his standing but the fact that we can use him at different times. It’s not going to be always Tyson (Chandler) coming in for Lamar (Odom), it depends on situations. But he had a very strong performance. I thought Danny (Granger) did a good job too… it’s tough to play everybody. I thought they showed great attitudes, we’re in good health, and it will be situational with those guys..
Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets)
On the team’s focus entering the Croatia game:
We are focused on every opponent and respecting every opponent. I think that’s going to be the key. Not looking ahead. Knowing that there’s a lot of great teams in this World Championship. You can’t look ahead … have to take one game at a time.
What do you know about the Slovenian team?
Actually, I’m not even thinking about the Slovenian team right now. I’m worrying about Croatia. After that game, I’ll change my direction to Slovenia.
Who is the top team in your group at the World Championship?
I don’t know. I know Brazil is a great team. Croatia is a great team as well as Slovenia. I won’t be able to answer that until I play all three teams.
Who are the favorites in the tournament?
Of course, the defending champion Spain is going to be great. Greece will be great. Argentina is going to be great. Of course, I feel like we are the best team in it but we got to still prove that.
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
On playing Croatia
I haven’t played against them before so it will be a whole new learning experience for me.
Will they be a tough opponent?
Definitely. The way that they play, very organized … I guess they’ve been together for a while so they have that experience on us. The way that they move the ball and they shoot the ball – the point guard can shoot it very well … We’re going to have to play good defense.
What is your advantage over Croatia?
If we can rebound and use our speed an athleticism, that will be to our advantage. Being able to pressure on defense full-court and get into them and try to take them out of their offense because their offense is really. So those things will help us out.
Do the World Championships give you a chance to learn more about other countries?
Definitely. It’s not just about playing games, you study the team, get a little bit of their history, interact with some of their fans. I think it is a learning experience and we don’t get this opportunity very often so you don’t want it to just let it pass by without learning something.
What are your thoughts on Turkey?
Turkey is nice. I had a teammate in college who is from here and he used to tell me all about it. I now get to see it for the first time. I like the city. Hopefully, we’ll get to see a little more of it while we’re here.
Were the guys taking photo of the scenery when you arrived?
Yeah, especially at the hotel right on the water. I’m sure on a day off or two, we’re going to get out and tour the city a little bit. So far, it’s a beautiful city … very modern looking … I like it.
How much do you know about Turkey?
I don’t know much now, but definitely going to take advantage of the time here and bring something back and learn a little bit.
Do you know the USA’s record in the World Championships?
I know we haven’t won since ’94. I think we finished 3rd in (2006) but other than that, it’s all about winning and we haven’t done that in 16 years so I think we should get it done this time.
Surprising that the USA has only one this tournament three times?
Yes but it just tells you how good international basketball is now and how you can’t just put a team together and go over and expect to win every year. It’s a tough thing to do and it’s gonna make it that much more special if we take care of business and get it done while we’re here.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
How is the team coming together?
We are getting better every game and we’re getting more acclimated with each other’s play … where guys need the ball … how guys play on the defensive end so our team is getting better every day.
Many are saying that if USA is having problems, it will be under the basket?
I think that we have enough athleticism and quickness to make up for that. That is a big area where we don’t have a lot of centers. We got Lamar Odom who is really a power or small forward playing center. He does a great job and he is going to cause a lot of mismatches on the offensive end for us.
Maybe Croatia have a chance in that area?
Their big man is pretty good. We have to help each other out and I think we’ll be alright.
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)
How was practice today?
Today, we really got into detail. We were trying to go over our sets and make sure when we go into the real games that we know what we are doing. There are no more exhibitions. Now, it’s the real thing. If we lose, we’re setback so we’re trying to limit those possibilities.
How do you feel about the team entering the tournament?
I feel as those we are where we should be. We’ve progressed. When we first came in here to our first game, it was kind of sloppy. We’re limiting our turnovers and learning to play with each other easier. That will help me during the season when I play these guys.
What do you think of Turkey so far?
Turkey is nice. Our hotel is beautiful, right by the water. It’s been fun so far.
Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers)
How was practice and are you excited to get it going tomorrow?
Definitely. I’m glad the exhibition games are over so we can start playing games that really mean something.
What do you think of Turkey so far?
I like Turkey. The area we are staying in is beautiful … the Bosphorous River is great … it’s a very, very pretty area.
What do you think of the arena?
I like the arena, looks like an NBA arena almost. I definitely like it.
Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
How do you expect teams to play you?
We’re a fast team. Some teams may try to slow it down on us and try to take it possession by possession. We’re going to try to put some pressure on them, every team we play. We figure we are one of the deeper teams. Our first and second units are just as good. We’re going to try work as a team.
How was practice today? Are you ready at this point just to play?
I thought today went well. Everybody was really keyed in today. We are getting our sets right. We’re getting focused on other team’s sets on the scout. We shot the ball well and I think we’re really focused.
What do you think of Turkey so far?
Beautiful. I am just enjoying the time, enjoying the hotel, relaxing and just playing ball.
Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers)
Are you excited to be in Turkey?
I’ve been here before. Lot of culture. Great people. It’s finally fun to get here and get it going. We’ve been together a month and we’ve got a couple more days here so to finally get the tournament going and play against some other competition. Practices are little lighter.
What do you remember from the last time you were here?
Intensity. We had a tough morning that morning. Things happened and we had to come here and play a game in a hostile environment. We expect the same.
Are you excited to get the World Championship going?
Yeah, it’s time, it’s time. We went from Vegas back to New York and to Spain and Greece … all the traveling we’ve done … all the teams we’ve played against. Now it’s time to take it out on someone else.
Do you feel good where the team is at?
Yeah. Our goal is to be the best defensive team in the tournament. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a pretty good chance to win.
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