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Team USA, Kyrie Irving start slow, rebound for blowout win against China in second exhibition game Author: Chris Fedor Publication: Cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Team USA is experimenting, using different lineup combinations and starters, as it prepares for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
In Sunday’s second warmup game, the United States’ new starting five — Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and DeAndre Jordan — got off to a sluggish start against China.
But after seven minutes of chilly offense, opening 1-of-9 from the field, the original starters checked in.
The same group that helped lead Friday’s rout against Argentina and is expected to be the primary five-man unit during the gold medal quest sparked an unstoppable offensive flurry.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving joined Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony, finishing the first quarter on a 19-6 barrage, which opened a 13-point lead after one period. – CLICK HERE to read full story.
Amico: Kyrie keeping control of Team USA Author: Sam Amico Publication: Amico Hoops
Sometimes, it looks like the United States Olympic basketball team doesn’t even need Kyrie Irving.
It’s not like the Americans have been challenged. They rolled past China by a 106-57 count Sunday in Los Angeles — and that happened just a few nights after bouncing Argentina by 34.
Both were only exhibitions, but they resembled the type of basketball laughers usually staged by the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals.
So star point guards on a team with the likes of Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George? Who needs ’em?
The answer is Team USA, that’s who.
Irving came off the bench to score 10 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting Sunday. He passed for four assists. He finished one of his vintage layups in traffic that had the Staples Center crowd pumping its fists. – CLICK HERE to read full story.
