It was time for Team USA to step up and overcome adversity and that’s what they did. The American superstars dominated Iran to pick up their first win in the Olympics with a convincing 120-66 blowout that put them back on track in Tokyo. Damian Lillard led the way for Team USA with 21 points. For Iran, Mohammad Jamshidi and Hamed Haddadi notched 14 points a piece for a team-high.
Nets forward Kevin Durant (10 PTS, 4-8 FG) came six points shy of breaking Carmelo Anthony’s all-time scoring record of 336 points with the United States. This sets him up to break that record in the squad’s next contest versus the Czech Republic.
The defense was absolutely outstanding for Gregg Popovich’s team. They held Iran to only 37% shooting from the field. In the process, they piled up 10 steals and 11 blocks. Team USA also took great care of the ball, only turning the ball over six times. Notably, they didn’t turn over the ball at all in the fourth period.
If this team looks to finish the job, they must win every game on their schedule to win gold. The loss against France put them in this tough position. However, this isn’t a position the United States aren’t capable of surmounting. Only time will tell if the pressure will catch up to this Olympic squad.
Durant sounded off on what the US needs to do moving forward after the loss to France prior to this game. He said, “We just have to be smart because they’re calling the games tighter.” The 32-year-old was referring to the squad limiting their fouls on opposing teams. Foul trouble was the reason why France came back into the contest in their first matchup.
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