Warning signs
Wednesday's 85-65 quarterfinal win over Germany was a reminder of why the Americans – as good as they are – are still vulnerable as they advance to the final four of the FIBA world championships.
The U.S. hoisted 40 three-pointers – making only 10 – against Germany's zone defense and were unable to break the game open until late in the third quarter. Eventually, Team USA's pressure defense and overall depth was the difference, but this was not an impressive offensive performance by Mike Krzyzewski's squad.
Dwyane Wade's outside shooting was atrocious, once airballing a three and another time clanging one off the side of the backboard. He was just 1-of-11 on the night.
Chris Paul and Kirk Hinrich combined to shoot 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. And even though the Americans forced 24 turnovers, they were never able to get their running game going.
On the bright side, the U.S. did a terrific job of containing Dirk Nowitzki, holding him to just 15 points on 3-of-12 shooting. But as the Americans prepare for their semifinal matchup with Greece on Friday, there has to be some concern about the perimeter shooting. Another cold performance like the one against Germany and Team USA could find itself playing for a bronze medal on Saturday.
UNSUNG PLAYER OF THE GAME
Chris Bosh – What an unlikely hero. After sitting on the bench for most of the tournament, Bosh has come through in a big way since he cracked the rotation two games ago. Bosh's activity and defense made a huge difference as the U.S. was forced to grind it out against the pesky German team.
He entered the game in the first quarter, immediately grabbed a couple of offensive rebounds and played energetic defense around the basket. His numbers by the end of the game weren't spectacular – 10 points, seven rebounds and a block – but his play epitomized the United States' overall effort on a night when shots weren't falling. Bosh also did a great job on Nowitzki, as he, Shane Battier and LeBron James took turns on the Dallas Mavericks star.
SEQUENCE OF THE GAME
Nursing a 44-43 lead in the third quarter, the Americans turned up the defensive pressure and went on a big run, outscoring Germany 23-9 to finish the quarter and take control of the game. Carmelo Anthony, James and Hinrich all forced turnovers during the run, and Germany's half-court offense began to crumble. For the game, the Germans shot just 39 percent, and it was the cold stretch late in the third quarter that did them in.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Carmelo Anthony – He has clearly established himself as the Americans' go-to player. He couldn't buy a shot in the first half, shooting just 2-of-12, but Anthony buried five of seven attempts in the second half on his way to a game-high 19 points. Two big threes during the third-quarter run gave the U.S. the cushion it needed. Anthony's defense – never a forte for him – was also critical. His steal and dunk midway through the third helped set the defensive tone as Team USA took over.
VIEWERS GUIDE
United States vs. Greece on Friday – The U.S. will play Greece in one semifinal game, with Argentina and Spain slated to square off in the other. Greece hammered France 73-58 to advance, and it is undefeated in the tournament. None of the final four has lost a game.
