Playing their game

Through three games of pool play at the FIBA world championships in Japan, the U.S. basketball team has established several themes.

One, that its depth and athleticism are too much for its opponents. Two, that the team's unselfishness, enthusiasm and willingness to play together as a unit has made it far different from the Olympic team that lost to Argentina and Puerto Rico in Athens in 2004. And three – and maybe most importantly – the U.S. is finally making the adjustment to playing the international style.

Does that mean coach Mike Krzyzewski's squad will run away with the gold medal? Not necessarily. Victories over Puerto Rico, China and Slovenia don't offer a true barometer of where the team is, particularly with better competition waiting in the wings. But after watching the win over Slovenia Tuesday morning, I would be very surprised if the Americans didn't go on and win the title.

Krzyzewski is playing two five-man units, giving each group a five-minute segment before substituting. This allows his team to apply maximum defensive pressure for 40 minutes and create the pace Team USA wants. The roster is stocked with quick and versatile players, which means defensively each player has the ability to switch and nullify the screens and back doors that hurt the U.S. in Athens. Slovenia committed 16 first-half turnovers against that pressure, which allowed the Americans to get into the open floor for dozens of easy points. Essentially, the game was over at halftime.

Coach K has obviously convinced his team that the path to the gold medal is paved not only with defense, but with unselfishness. The two point guards – Chris Paul and Kirk Hinrich – are doing a terrific job taking care of the ball and distributing it. In fact, after three games, Paul has dished out 26 assists while committing only three turnovers. With Paul and Hinrich setting the tone and pushing the pace, the entire team seems intent on moving the ball to the open man. With the USA's type of talent, good ball movement will eventually lead to a good shot.

The final piece of the puzzle for Coach K's squad is to play at a torrid tempo. Assistant coach Mike D'Antoni is in charge of the offense, which is geared toward running and gunning at every opportunity. The theory is simple: the more possessions in each game, the more chances for talent to take over. Slovenia has some gifted players – seven NBA draft picks in all – and the Slovenians showed flashes of brilliance while creating some easy points. But it was clear that in a fast game, they have no chance at beating the lightning-fast Americans.

One of the reasons Team USA can play at such a frantic pace is that the roster is better suited to play an international style of game. The big men are runners and shooters rather than post men. Only Elton Brand is a guy who can play the traditional post game, but he can also step outside. The others – Dwight Howard, Brad Miller and Chris Bosh – would prefer to either face the basket or shoot from the perimeter. That means the floor is spread and the lane is wide open, allowing the U.S. to use its great speed.

It's no coincidence the Americans are averaging a tournament-best 115 points per game. Contrast that with the 2004 showing at the Athens Games, when Larry Brown's team rarely even reached 100 and routinely scored in the 70s. That squad relied heavily on Tim Duncan in the low block, which slowed the game down, made for fewer possessions and kept the pace in favor of the opponents. With D'Antoni's international experience – he played and coached for 18 years in Italy – this U.S. team has the knowledge of how to attack its foes and take advantage of its talent.

There isn't much to dislike about Team USA, and the fact is, it should only improve as the tournament goes on. But there are some possible bumps in the road. Free-throw shooting has been an issue in two of the three games, and the three-point shooting is streaky as well (although the Americans made 10 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc against Slovenia.)

Lethargy could be a problem, too. Krzyzewski made it a goal to win every quarter, but his team's second-half energy against Slovenia left a lot to be desired as it squandered much of a 29-point lead before pulling away for victory. Rest assured, Coach K will use the sloppy second half as motivation when the U.S. faces Italy on Wednesday.

But the biggest test will be when – or if – the Americans play a team that handles defensive pressure. If Italy or Argentina or Greece, perhaps, can take care of the ball and make threes, Team USA will have to respond and grind out a win. At this point, that looks like the formula for an upset. But unlike in 2004, this U.S. team is playing together, defending hard and playing at a fast pace. And that makes it much less vulnerable.