The US aren't exactly juggernauts like they used to be, the rest of the world is getting better, and the superstar players are opting out, leaving room for the younger generation of stars to step in. All of these factors have lead to a much more balanced field of play.
Anyway, I had heard about Team USA scrimmages but I didn't know if the term "scrimmage" applied to the guys just fucking around out there, or actually playing within the rules, keeping track of the score, etc. Once I found out it was the latter, that peaked my interest enough to tune in.
My initial expectations of the game were somewhat similar to the McDonald's All-American game. A bunch of talented kids on the floor, some capable of playing at an elite level, but an overall sloppy game because the team's haven't had enough time to develop chemistry together.
Initial reaction to the starting lineups were that they were unfair. I mean Derrick Rose at the point, Stephen Curry at the 2 guard, and Durant at small forward. The only word you can use to describe that trio is unfair. I'm also looking forward to seeing the Rose vs. Rondo match up seeing as they're both very competitive players, don't seem like they're fond of each other, and are both playing for a spot on the team, so you know they're not going to half ass it out there.
I was really impressed by the way Rose played. His game isn't exactly tailored for Team USA's style of play, but he's good enough to adapt. You could see it in the second half, he started to drive and take over a little bit more like he's accustomed to for the Bulls. Overall, he played just under 31 minutes in the 40 minute game, scoring 15 points, dishing out 8 assists, and recording 5 steals. Most impressive number: 0 turnovers.
I love the fact that he's getting to play against the likes of Rondo, Mayo, and Westbrook. Not only playing, but dominating them. Even Rondo was getting handled pretty easily by Rose. This experience will prove invaluable heading into the 2010 season. All indications point towards him becoming the superstar point guard this year that many of us proclaimed he'd be three years ago.
The three point line equalizes the competition just as it does in the college game. Most of the upsets that occur in the NCAA tournament are the result of mid-major teams outshooting the big schools from behind the arc. I suspect it's the same in the international game, I'll be watching for that.
Kevin Durant was the typical Kevin Durant, scoring a quiet 28 points to lead all scorers. It looks so easy for him to score. Kobe is a great player, the second greatest I've ever seen, in fact. But when it comes to making scoring look easy, Durant is the only player I've seen who makes it look as easy as Jordan. Kobe takes a lot of tough shots, Durant's tough shots don't look like tough shots.
Since I'm seemingly unable to escape an NBA blog without writing something negative about someone, I won't disappoint. Today's victim is Fran Fraschilla. Fraschilla is a knowledgeable basketball mind, I just don't like the way he goes about sharing that knowledge. He really is to basketball analysts what The Game is to rappers. He thinks of all the big names he knows and name drops them sequentially through out the broadcast.
"Player X reminds me of a young Chris Gatling, who I knew well, and followed at Old Dominion since 1988." We get it, Fran. You knew all of these players as they grew up. You followed all of them. You know where each attended college, and you know if their dad's played college ball, and where. One pertinent reference is fine, but six or seven a game is too much. Give it a rest.
By the way, Kevin Durant's White Team defeated the Blue Team 114-96.
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