LAS VEGAS: Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant made his international debut, scoring 14 points as the US trounced Venezuela 112-69 in their opening match of the FIBA Americas 2008 Olympic qualifying tournament.
It was an auspicous start for the US in group B, in which Brazil also opened with a win on Wednesday with a 75-67 triumph over Canada.
In group A, Uruguay defeated Panama 88-84 in overtme and Mexico downed Puerto Rico 100-89 on the opening day of play at the Thomas and Mack Center.
While the host team comprised of National Basketball Association stars are favorites to at least reach the final here and claim one of two Beijing Olympic berths on offer, all are aware that the US have been humbled in recent major international tournaments.
They settled for sixth at the 2002 world championships, third at the 2004 Athens Olympics and third in Japan at last year's worlds, where champion Spain secured a berth for Beijing.
On Wednesday, however, it seemed the stars had aligned.
LeBron James dazzled the crowd with a rim-rattling dunk, Bryant set up a streaking Carmelo Anthony with a smooth behind-the-back pass for another poster-worthy slam and sharpshooter Michael Redd calmly drained his first 3-pointer.
Anthony and Redd each had a game-high 17 points, Amare Stoudemire added 16 points and the Americans shot 55%.
"We came out we great tempo," said guard Jason Kidd, who did not score because he didn't take any shots. "Everyone was talking and everyone was engaged. Each time we take the court, we will only get better."
The USA scored the first nine points and led by double digits for 34 of the 40 minutes, and turned the late stages into a virtual offensive exhibition.
"I really thought it was a good performance for our first game," said US coach Mike Krzyzewski. "It was really our first game together."
Leandro Barbosa scored 30 points, including a pair of running jumpers with under two minutes to play, to lift Brazil over Canada, who had tied the game 56-56 with seven minutes to play.
"We had good energy, especially in the beginning," said Phoenix Suns speedster Barbosa. "We made too many turnovers which helped put them back in the game." (AFP)
2008 Beijing Olympics, in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday. (Reuters) |
