For a Team USA squad that was still talking about the lessons learned from a slow start against Turkey a week ago, this was a success.
Unlike that pool play game in which they trailed at halftime before surging in the second half, it was yet another quick start (25-13 early on and 42-27 at the half).
Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets) continued his impactful World Cup showing with eight points and eight rebounds to counter the Gustavo Ayon show for Mexico (25 points, eight rebounds).
It’s a wonder how Ayon, who is an NBA veteran, is still a free agent with his deft post skills and impressive game.
USATODAY
Derrick Rose continues to struggle at World Cup
Stephen Curry (Golden State) scored 11 of his 20 points in the third quarter in which the Americans continued to pull away. No injuries, either, which is always a good thing for this group in the post-Paul George era.
As expected coming in this was never a game.
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT
Warriors fans are used to seeing Curry and Klay Thompson play like this, but the “Splash Brothers,” as they’re known, showcased their sharpshooting talents for the world’s stage.
Curry buried six threes and hit seven of 10 shots in all, and Thompson had 15 points and hit three threes of his own (6 of 14 overall).
What’s more, Curry dished out four assists in 24 minutes at a time when it’s looking like Team USA may need him to put his point guard hat on again. Derrick Rose remained quiet in the tournament, as the Chicago Bulls point guard missed all five of his shots and had three turnovers in 15 minutes. He’s now shooting just 21.6% for the tournament (8 of 37).
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WHAT’S NEXT
Here’s a scary thought for Team USA’s next couple of opponents: they’re about to rest up.
After playing five games in six days before this Round of 16 began, the next tilt comes Tuesday against the winner of Saturday’s game in Barcelona against the Dominican Republic (FIBA world ranking of No. 26) and Slovenia (No. 13).
Both teams have plenty of reason for concern, as the Americans have already obliterated them in previous matchups – a 101-71 win vs. Slovenia in a scrimmage in Gran Canaria, Spain on Aug. 26 in which Slovenia’s star, Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic, had just six points and one assist; 105-62 USA win vs. the Francisco Garcia-led Dominicans Aug. 20 in New York City that came without Derrick Rose, and a 106-71 win vs. them in the third game of pool play.
Assuming victory is theirs, Team USA would then play in the semifinal Thursday in Barcelona against either New Zealand (No. 19), Lithuania (No. 4), Turkey (No. 7), or Australia (No. 9).
