Paul George and Team USA Cruise Past China
By H.B. Hayes
Paul George had 3 steals Sunday night as Team USA cruised past China 106-57.
Paul George set the defensive tone for Team USA again on Sunday with 3 steals. He struggled a bit offensively scoring 5 points on 1-of-6 shooting while also grabbing 2 rebounds.
Kevin Durant led all scorers with 19 points.
The Chinese National Team was bigger than I expected, but the men’s national team was able to control every aspect of the game in the 106-57 win.
Forcing multiple shot-clock violations, the defensive prowess of Team USA’s guards was more than China could handle. Active hands and aggressiveness on the defensive end led to 12 steals and 26 total turnovers.
After the game, DeAndre Jordan spoke with the Associated Press about the natural chemistry between the collection of All-Stars.
"“We’ve only been together a week, but it seems like we’ve been teammates for years,” Jordan said."
DeAndre shook the Staples Center on a couple of thunderous alley-oop finishes. With plenty of Clippers fans in the building, the crowd erupted each time.
Team USA really looked like a team last night and not just a collection of All-Stars sent to destroy anyone in the path of gold.
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We shouldn’t be surprised that professionals know how to make defensive switches and keep proper spacing on the floor, but point guard’s hitting shooters in their sweet spots, trusting in where your teammate is going to be on the floor, and having that kinetic energy that keeps the basketball moving is something special.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski, speaking with the press after the game, summed it up best.
"“We should have won, but the way we won was excellent,” Krzyzewski said. “We’re really growing together as a group.”"
The exhibition schedule continues on Tuesday from Oracle Arena as the two teams will face off again.
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This will also be the first time new teammates Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green will play together in front of their home crowd.