The exhibition game between Team USA and the Dominican Republic national team at Las Vegas on Thursday night turned into a showcase of the amazing level of talent on the roster of the Americans, as they cruised to an impressive 113-59 victory. Click here to see what Scottie Pippen said about the current team against The Dream Team during halftime.
With a limited number of legitimate big bodies on the roster, coach Mike Krzyzewski tinkered and toyed with various ideas, playing Kevin Durant, who led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds, at center at times alongside LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Krzyzewski also had a chance to get a good look at soon-to-be-rookie Anthony Davis, who replaced the injured Blake Griffin on the roster. Our Jan Hubbard discussed the lineup situation of the team in detail. You can find some notable highlights from the game below.
Highlights and recap of USA vs Dominican Republic:
Russell Westbrook blows fast-break dunk:
Regardless of size, Team USA displayed the type of defensive toughness and tenacity that could prove to be troublesome for the rest of the world. They held the helpless Dominican Team to 31.7% shooting and 25 turnovers. Al Horford, the team’s best player, was held to seven points on just one-of-12 shooting.
The size factor could eventually play a bigger role against teams with more legitimate size, such as the Spanish national team with a front line of the Gasol brothers and Serge Ibaka. This is where they may miss the presence of Griffin, who will miss the Olympics due to a meniscus tear in his left knee. See how he hurt the knee in the clip below.
Luckily for Griffin, he avoided a more devastating injury and should be ready to go before the start of next season. If there is one positive to take from the situation, we now have more of a chance to see what the No. 1 draft pick Anthony Davis is made of. If Thursday night was of any indication, he may prove to be a valuable piece for Team USA.
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