Team USA coach, Shaka Smart, has implemented his trademark “Havoc” philosophy on defense and it worked to the tune of forcing 26 turnovers. The forced turnovers along with the fast pace helped Team USA score 44 fast break points. When asked about how important is Team USA’s full court defense, Smart said “It was huge, because we haven’t had months’ worth of practice to really get sharp in our half-court defense. So, if we can use the press to speed teams up and to turn them over, it can really work to our advantage.”
In an era where teams shoot a high volume of 3 pointers, the Americans were only 1-8 from the 3-point line in part because they scored 74 points in the paint. As long as Team USA can force turns and quicken pace, 3 point proficiency shouldn’t be a factor.
Up next for Team USA will be the Virgin Islands (0-1) who is coming off of a 68-45 loss to Chile. Nicolas Claxton led the Virgin Islands with 9 points on 3 for 16 shooting and 9 rebounds
Complete Results from Day 1:
USA 103 Puerto Rico 70
Canada 92 Argentina 58
Brazil 74 Dominican Republic 58
Chile 68 Virgin Islands 45
