Team USA's first game on Saturday was all about the reserves. Sunday was quite the opposite.
While the bench sparked the team and helped them start the FIBA games with a win on Saturday, they were not as effective on Sunday against Slovenia. The starters were really key in this game and it showed.
The first quarter saw the Americans get off to a fast start. The defense was swarming, leading to multiple fast break points. Kevin Durant started off hot, with seven quick points, a couple of steals, and a couple assists. He was creating for himself and even more for his teammates.
Team USA got off to a dominating start, with a 13 point lead in the first. When the reserves came in, things got sloppy. There were at least nine turnovers for the US in the second quarter alone. Those turnovers were mostly unforced, as full-court passes bounced aimlessly, and nearly every player on the floor was called for a travel or charge at some point.
With the starters out in the second quarter, Slovenia made a run, pulling to within six points. The ticky-tack fouls that Team USA picked up in the first half led to 10 Slovenia points. Both teams shot 10 of 14 from the free thr ...
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Article written by Chad Smith
Kevin Durant, Team USA Finish Off Slovenia
August 29th, 2010 by Chad Smith Leave a reply »
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