FIBA Americas Tournament

[FArting]

Next up we play Puerto Rico at 11pm et on ESPN 2. They beat us in the first round of the Athens Olympics.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

bad performance against mexico - billups and kobe played awful - kobe forced at least 6 really bad shots hurting the flow of the offense

billups wasn't really caretaker out there either - i would rather see deron on the floor

these guys need to adjust to their roles in this setting

not panicked yet - let's see how they play against PR tonight

 

[azirish]

Nobody is going to beat the USA team this year, but it is hard to keep these guys in the "system" when they play in so many blowouts.

It is also obvious that they still have not figured out that opponents cannot stop Amare and Dwigth inside - zone or no zone.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

agreed about the bigs - need to let them exploit the space in the middle with their strength and athleticism

dwight seems to scare people out there - i've been really impressed by him

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Amare hit a 3 vs puerto rico!

 

[FArting]

How much did we win by?

 

[azirish]

How much did we win by?

http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamerica...9/teamnumber//zone//fe_scheStat_gameRepo.html

28/08/2007USA 117 vs. Puerto Rico 78

Boxscores | Photo Gallery | Quotes
LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - The United States remained perfect at the FIBA Americas 2007 Championship, improving to 5-0 with a 117-78 victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday night.

Kobe Bryant's 11 first quarter points gave the USA a 24-15 lead after the opening period in the final game of the day at Thomas & Mack Center.

A 10-0 run early in the second quarter extended the Americans' lead to 39-17.

With the USA pulling further and further away as the quarter progressed, it was Bryant's alley-oop to a streaking LeBron James who jammed home the basket with 1:48 remaining in the period which first pushed the USA's lead above 30 points (56-25) and effectively put the Puerto Rican hopes of an upset to bed.

James tallied a game-high 21 points while Carmelo Anthony added 17 and Michael Redd 15 for the Americans. Elias Ayuso led Puerto Rico with 13 points, but connected on just two-of-seven from the field on a night when the USA held Puerto Rico to 36 percent shooting.

At the midway point of the Second Round, only America and Argentina remain undefeated. Those two teams are set to square off on Thursday night and both are assured a berth in the semifinals.

Box Score
http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamerica...langlc//roundid/5731/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Amare had an impressive game. In just 14 minutes he scored 12 points on 4 of 5 including 1 of 1 for three; 3 of 4 from the line, and grabbed 8 rebounds.

 

[FArting]

Next up for us is Uruguay tonight at 11pm est ESPN 2 then Argentina.

 

[mribnik]

For those of you who didn't get to see the game last night, Amare was excellent. It was definitely his most impressive game in the tournament and there were a lot of positives that I saw.

It was obvious that team USA wanted to take advantage of Amare's extended range and open up the floor more on offense (perhaps D'Antoni's idea?). Amare had a few inside scores and got to the line as he usually does, but he also added another wrinkle to the offense by setting up outside the 3-point line. The 3 pointer that he made, his defender left him wide open. Amare made it and looked great doing it. A few plays later Amare got the ball outside the 3-point line, pumped faked (sending his defender flying out of bounds), took two dribbles passed his man and passed the ball up top. The play ended up in a wide open dunk for team USA. It was a very smart play on his behalf.

He was also extremely active on the boards. I saw him box out properly at times and other times he just got up really high and snatched the ball out of the air with his huge hands. He displayed some pre-injury quickness in one of his post moves where he ended up drawing a foul and getting to the line. I think the Suns are going to involve Amare in many more back-to-the-basket situations than they did last year. They didn't do it much last year, probably to be safe with his knees. He also made a really nice pass to a cutting Prince, something I'd like to see him do with Marion more.

All in all, it was a great game by him and I really didn't see any negatives.

 

[azirish]

For those of you who didn't get to see the game last night, Amare was excellent. It was definitely his most impressive game in the tournament and there were a lot of positives that I saw.

It was obvious that team USA wanted to take advantage of Amare's extended range and open up the floor more on offense (perhaps D'Antoni's idea?). Amare had a few inside scores and got to the line as he usually does, but he also added another wrinkle to the offense by setting up outside the 3-point line. The 3 pointer that he made, his defender left him wide open. Amare made it and looked great doing it. A few plays later Amare got the ball outside the 3-point line, pumped faked (sending his defender flying out of bounds), took two dribbles passed his man and passed the ball up top. The play ended up in a wide open dunk for team USA. It was a very smart play on his behalf.

He was also extremely active on the boards. I saw him box out properly at times and other times he just got up really high and snatched the ball out of the air with his huge hands. He displayed some pre-injury quickness in one of his post moves where he ended up drawing a foul and getting to the line. I think the Suns are going to involve Amare in many more back-to-the-basket situations than they did last year. They didn't do it much last year, probably to be safe with his knees. He also made a really nice pass to a cutting Prince, something I'd like to see him do with Marion more.

All in all, it was a great game by him and I really didn't see any negatives.

Some of the articles have suggested that D'Antoni is running most of the offensie and MacMillian the defense (you thought it would be the other way around? ) It's interesting to see what D'Antoni tries to do when talent is no object.

BTW, I watche the Canada - Mexico game which Canada won easily. Part of it is that Mexico lacks the depth to play this many games in a row. What was interesting was the degree that their coach, Nolan, tried to press and trap the whole game. It worked pretty well against USA until they wore down.

 

[PetryJr]

What was interesting was the degree that their coach, Nolan, tried to press and trap the whole game. It worked pretty well against USA until they wore down.

I disagree. USA scored 127 points against Mexico, more than they did against any other team. They also scored 45 points in the first quarter (a tournament-high as well), so I wouldn't say their trapping defense worked at all, even before they wore down. Mexico was very successfull offensively, though, scoring 100 points, mostly on pick-and-rolls (their players seem to have a lot of freedom on offense)

 

[azirish]

I disagree. USA scored 127 points against Mexico, more than they did against any other team. They also scored 45 points in the first quarter (a tournament-high as well), so I wouldn't say their trapping defense worked at all, even before they wore down. Mexico was very successfull offensively, though, scoring 100 points, mostly on pick-and-rolls (their players seem to have a lot of freedom on offense)

The USA team shot very poorly against Mexico, particularly in the second quarter.

http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamerica...9/teamnumber//zone//fe_scheStat_gameRepo.html

27/08/2007USA 127 vs. Mexico 100

Boxscores | Photo Gallery | Quotes
LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - For the first time during this FIBA Americas Championship, the United States allowed an opponent to post a triple digit scoring effort, but the Americans still managed a 27-point victory to remain undefeated in tournament play (4-0).

The USA raced out to a 45-23 lead after one quarter, but only seemed to be crisp in spurts over the next three in the eventual 127-100 victory.

After shooting 80 percent from the field in the first stanza, the United States cooled off in the second.

The USA was outscored 28-20 in the period and saw its' lead shrink to 14 points by halftime (65-51).

LeBron James' 16 third quarter points helped the Americans distance themselves once again, as the USA held a 101-78 lead after three.

Carmelo Anthony paced the United States with a game-high 28 point effort on 10-of-17 shooting from the field.

Mexico's Romel Beck, a former UNLV Runnin' Rebel, led Mexico with 20 points.

 

[Cheesebeef]

a) wow, do I not like seeing Amare shooting three pointers

b) Lebron James WILL end up being the greatest player of all time. I've never seen ANY player on ANY team in ANY sport with Bron's athleticism/natural court awareness, especially at such a ridiculously young age. It's really disgusting.

c) Nice Grateful Dead lyric slip in there by Walton. Love that dofus.

 

[PetryJr]

The USA team shot very poorly against Mexico, particularly in the second quarter.

http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamerica...9/teamnumber//zone//fe_scheStat_gameRepo.html

No, George, they didn't. You're basing your opinion on a recap. They shot poorly ONLY in the second quarter, when they scored 20 points. But USA scored 45 points in the first quarter and 36 points in the third. They shot 58% for the game. They shot 59% against Puerto Rico, 55% against Brazil, 55% against Canada, 60% against Virgin Islands and 55% against Venezuela.

Take a look at the boxscore, if you want:

http://www.fibaamericas.com/fnabox.asp?g=X&n=4&r=5731

If you want to convince yourself that Mexico's trapping defense was effective against USA, that's fine, but the numbers don't agree with you.

 

[Cheesebeef]

a) wow, do I not like seeing Amare shooting three pointers

but I'll say this, he actually does have very good form. I just don't want to see him jacking three a game. I'd much rather see a big improvement on his back to the basket game where he can draw more fouls, rather than have another guy taking shots as far away from the bucket as possible.

 

[panfolk]

but I'll say this, he actually does have very good form. I just don't want to see him jacking three a game. I'd much rather see a big improvement on his back to the basket game where he can draw more fouls, rather than have another guy taking shots as far away from the bucket as possible.

My attention to the Suns was spotty at the time, being a teenager with his first girlfriend, but I seem to remember an aging Barkley chucking a lot of 3s and frustrating the heck out of me. This season may be fuzzy deja vu for me.

 

[mribnik]

Amare just swished a three close to the top of the key to end the first half. This one he took because the clock was running out. He took another one earlier in the game cause he was wide open in the corner. It looked good but didn't go in. His form is amazing for a big man.

Edit: It looks so natural you'd never know he's taken less than 10 or so in his career.

 

[SunsTzu]

My attention to the Suns was spotty at the time, being a teenager with his first girlfriend, but I seem to remember an aging Barkley chucking a lot of 3s and frustrating the heck out of me. This season may be fuzzy deja vu for me.

Barkley started shooting more 3s when they moved the line closer. Actually I'm pretty sure 3pt shooting dropped off big time when they moved the line because alot of guys who shouldn't be shooting it started to jack em up.


In an unrelated note Prince and Amare seem to be hooking up quite a bit. I'd love to have Tayshaun on this team.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Barkley started shooting more 3s when they moved the line closer. Actually I'm pretty sure 3pt shooting dropped off big time when they moved the line because alot of guys who shouldn't be shooting it started to jack em up.


In an unrelated note Prince and Amare seem to be hooking up quite a bit. I'd love to have Tayshaun on this team.

Tayshaun would be great here - I wonder if there's any way at some point in the year if the Pistons suck that we deal the Hawks pick for Tayshaun - he actually fits the trade exception perfectly. A starting lineup of Nash, Bell, Prince, Marion, Amare would be DA's wet dream and actually good enough defensively with or without PJ to beat the Spurs IMO. that being said, it's a COMPLETE PIPE DREAM.

 

[SunsTzu]

that being said, it's a COMPLETE PIPE DREAM.

Yeah, I only thought about it because of the rumors earlier this summer which were likely bogus had a deal involving Marion and Prince.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Yeah, I only thought about it because of the rumors earlier this summer which were likely bogus had a deal involving Marion and Prince.

hmmm, here's a pipe dream - just something to dream about.

The Pistons take a major step backwards and the Hawks suck. We're doing decent and have signed PJ Brown but we're still not just clicking right. So, two trades are made:

We trade the Hawks pick for Tayshaun Prince as the Pistons eye a top notch big man in the upcoming draft. Prince comes here, taking up the trade exception, leaving the Pistons with their own Trade exception.

In turn, after that trade is completed, we trade Boris to the Pistons for a second round pick. Thus, we're not over the luxury tax and the Pistons in essence get Boris and the Hawks lotto pick for Tayshaun Prince.

(btw, I don't know if any of this can actually happen and it probably can't, but a man can dream)

so, before I wake up, where does that leave us?

Nash
Bell
Prince
Marion
Amare

Barbs
Grant Hill (as sixth man where he belongs to rest his body)
PJ

Basically, an unbeatable team that is still affordable and can matchup with anyone and is a defensive dynamo.

 

[panfolk]

Barkley started shooting more 3s when they moved the line closer. Actually I'm pretty sure 3pt shooting dropped off big time when they moved the line because alot of guys who shouldn't be shooting it started to jack em up.


In an unrelated note Prince and Amare seem to be hooking up quite a bit. I'd love to have Tayshaun on this team.

I wonder how Casey Jacobsen is doing in Germany? Excuse me while I jab this keyboard awkwardly into my eye.

 

[PetryJr]

I wonder how Casey Jacobsen is doing in Germany? Excuse me while I jab this keyboard awkwardly into my eye.

Jacobsen was signed by the Grizzlies. My guess is that Iavaroni actually liked his team defense when he played for Phoenix.

 

[mribnik]

For those of you not watching, Amare is having another amazing game. I can't believe how complete his offensive game is now. In addition to his extended range, he also just made a bank shot (intentional) at the elbow, ala Duncan and made a nice head-fake on a 3, drove by his man and finished a difficult layup in traffic. He also got a rebound, had his head up immediately and threw it down the lenght of the court for an assist to Deron Williams. Amare looks fantastic. He has somelike like 18 points in probably 10-12 minutes or so. Of course he's doing this against inferior competition, but a three is a three and he's showing new things.

 

[mribnik]

19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist on 7/10 shooting and 4/5 from the line in 20 minutes for Amare tonight.