HoopWatch

Team USA easily beat Team Argentina, 91-76. But the Americans did not have an easy time. The winning margin was not that big. They had to rely on heavy games from superstars Kobe Bryant, who had 27 points, Carmelo Anthony, 25, and LeBron James had over 20 points as well.

Argentina scored in well-polished pick-and-rolls and set-plays. They also played good defense. They forced a lot of turnovers and had more steals. What makes it more interesting was four of their NBA players (Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, Andres Nocioni and Pepe Sanchez) did not play, and their other two mainstays were not their usual scoring self. Luis Scola was plagued with foul trouble, and Carlos Delfino struggled, due mainly to Kobe Bryant’s pesky defense.

The talent of the Americans was just too much for the Argentinians, but they put up a fight, and had the lowest scoring margin. USA never had much of a challenge in this tournament. But it would be interesting to note how the game could have been if all the stars of Argentina played. It could have been a ball game! Manu and the rest needed not play in the FIBA Americas since they are shoo-in already in the Beijing Olympics, by virtue of their being the defending champions. (photo courtesy of yahoonba.com)