Team USA survives Brazil, stays unbeaten at Worlds

They missed layups, they blew fast-break chances and they played the kind of stagnant halfcourt offense that could ultimately cost them a chance at a gold medal in the World Championship. But, ultimately, the Americans had just enough stamina to outlast Group Bs other undefeated team, Brazil, and managed to virtually secure an unbeaten trip through pool play with a 70-68 win Monday.
The Brazil game seemed to bring to cheap nfl jerseys light the concerns expressed by coach Mike Krzyzewski on Sunday when he noted, “I think our defense is good. Our offense can hurt it.”
The Americans were led by forward Kevin Durant(notes), who scored 27 points and had 10 rebounds in the win. He was pretty much the lone offensive highlight, though.
In the first half, the U.S. had a difficult time containing Brazil, which was playing without forward Anderson Varejao(notes) and leaned heavily on Tiago Splitter(notes) in his absence. Splitter caused the interior defense problems, and Brazil was fortunate to make several circus-style shots while also knocking down 7-of-11 3-pointers. That helped Brazil to New England Patriots jersey a 33-25 lead, and the U.S trailed at halftime, 46-43.
The game finally turned in the fourth quarter, and it would be easy to credit the U.S. defense. In reality, Brazil simply appeared to run out of gas. The U.S. held just a two-point lead to start the fourth, 61-59, and Brazil proceeded to score just nine points the rest of the way. They missed 13 of their first 15 shots in the quarter, which helped mask the Americans dismal offensive showing.
Brazil still had chances to force the game into overtime, but again bobbled its chances. Point guard Marcelo Huertas was fouled by Derrick Rose(notes) as he drove to the rim with 3.5 seconds remaining, but missed his first free throw. He intentionally missed the second, with the ball eventually winding up in the hands of New Orleans Saints jerseyLeandro Barbosa(notes). But Barbosa’s layup attempt hit the backboards and rattled off the rim before falling out.
Team USA can take a bit of a breather after a thoroughly unsatisfying win. They will have Tuesday off before finishing pool play against Iran and Tunisia, both expected to be easy wins.