Team USA has steamrolled through their first three opponents by an average score of 129.6 to 66.7.
The key has been the defense. The full court pressure has been the staple of this team. It’s enabled Team USA to score in bunches. Even when the Dominican Republic looked like they would be competitive for a quarter, the Americans quickly said “no” by closing out the first quarter with an 11-1 run en route to a 133-74 victory.
There isn’t one player that “leads” Team USA but Robert Holland has been effective in all three games. Holland averages 20.3 points and 7.7 rebounds (5 offensive rebounds) per game along with leading the team in efficiency.
Holland along with, Jalen Lewis, have been a thorn in the lane to all of Team USA’s opponents. Lewis is heading to Overtime Elite and, sans the one game he spent in early foul trouble, his ability to play inside-out has been difficult for teams to cover. Lewis also hits the boards grabbing averaging 7.3 per game.
The guard play has also been solid. Ian Jackson is coming off a 30-point performance against Chile. Jaylen Curry has been dishing dimes (6.7 assists per game) while Robert Dillingham has been the best combination guard (16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds per game).
The pace and efficiency of the defense has helped Team USA get transition baskets which has led to an acceptable number of three point attempts. The Americans are averaging just 25.3 three point attempts per game. They are shooting it at 31.6% clip with Bryson Tucker shooting a team high 40%. The team percentage could afford to be a little higher.
Speaking of having a higher shooting percentage, Team USA’s free throw shooting hasn’t been anything to write home about. With the number of times the Americans go to the line, making only 64.3% means there are some points being left on the line.
Up next for Team USA is a quarterfinal match-up with Mexico (0-3).
Photo Credit: FIBA
