httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP_2uBKhuNY
LAS VEGAS – The USA Basketball Men’s National Team showcase against Argentina in Las Vegas Friday night wasn’t the typical NBA exhibition game, usually dominated by thunderous slam dunks, wide-open shots and hardly any defense.
“Overall I thought it was good for our team. We got to play everybody double-figure minutes, a lot of different combinations. A huge thing for us during these five exhibition games is to try to be in game shape by the time we get to Rio,” USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
George benefited most from early Argentina turnovers, cashing in with slam dunks and grabbing 10 points in the first half.
The US grabbed a 53-30 rebounding advantage and outscored Argentina 42-22 in the paint, while also outscoring Argentina 26-6 in second-chance points.
The last time he donned a USA uniform in Las Vegas, he suffered a compound fracture in his right leg, missed virtually the entire 2014-15 season and then had arguably his best year ever this past season.
Krzyzewski said the team didn’t discuss George’s injury and George didn’t discuss his comeback much in the post-game press conference, but the two-year ordeal has offered him a new perspective on basketball.
T were several stretches in the second half when Argentina players drove at-will in a wide-open lane, but didn’t cash in enough to make a dent in the USA’s lead. Nocioni led Argentina with 15 points and Manu Ginobili added 11.