U.S.A.-Germany: First-Half Impressions
LeBron James has 16 points as the Americans lead the Germans 53-29 at halftime. This game could not have started off any better for the U.S. who has run past Germany at every opportunity. Team U.S.A. came out and did exactly what it had to do on the defensive end, setting the tone early, forcing 12 turnovers in the first half. Unlike most other games in this tournament, the Americans came out with some energy to begin the game, and picked up right where they left off against Spain on Saturday.
Dwight Howard has 12 points and six rebounds of his own, as every player on the roster has already gotten into the game. After struggling for most of the tournament from behind the arc, the Americans are 7-for-14 from 3-point land today. Krzyzewski should be proud of the way his players came out to start the game. He obviously warned that that starting off slow would set a bad tone as they head into the medal round. Up to this point, his team has handled its business and is on the way to finishing the preliminary round undefeated.
The key for the Americans in the second half should be to keep everybody healthy. This game is over already. It's time for Coach K to empty the bench and give his starters a chance to rest. Look for Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd and Tayshaun Prince to get some extended minutes in the second half.
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