nigeria did not play a lick of defense they basically allowed the united states to take uncontested outside shots.
Lithuania I stand corrected. The USA were in a very tight game and trailed in the fourth quarter. 99-94 win, but poor defense. Lithuania got a ton of points using the pick and roll. Neidermeier you are aware the USA were 10 of 33 behind the arc.
So they shot 30%. That's pretty typical for an NBA game. And again, they won. But then again you think so little of our competition that you can't even remember their name. How obnoxious.
That's rich coming from you. You do realize the three point line for FIBA is 1.6 feet closer to the basket for the arc.
Oh I am sure you were completely unaware of the dimensions of FIBA court. Otherwise you would know it's a difference and a cheaper three similar to the NCAA three.
I basically agree that the USA is lacking in that shooter department. We will see whats necessary or not when its time to give out medals.
Matt what is your major issue with me and also other posters on BigSoccer. Your first post was done to bait me to enter into an argument with you. Why do you do things like that?There's really no need for it and totally unnecessary. There are other ways to argue one's points. I can do without your sarcasm. In all candor, the FIBA three is a cheap three. Heck I remember the NBA three was moved in too from 23'-9" to 22' ten or more years ago for a season or two. It does make a big difference in shooting percentage that extra distance. Of course having defenders who can guard helps even more. Nigeria gave the USA uncontested looks on the three's and a couple of guys had fantastic shooting nights. Fast forward two days later and the perimeter shooters were guarded and the several players were off. I don't expect them to shoot 70 plus percent again, but 30 percent is poor, particularly given that this is an elite team made up of the best players in the NBA. We should have shot around 40 percent even with a lack of consistent outside shooters.
Why? Do you really think Lithuania is that bad? Do you watch the FIBA? They weren't bronze medalists for nothing. They kept us under 90 points in the semis. Saying that we didn't win by enough is poor sportsmanship. Confusing them with another nation is obnoxious. Kleiza is an animal that should start on any NBA roster, not just Canadian purgatory. As for the perimeter shooting, 60+% against any professional or international level team means you can shoot from the outside. Could it be that US just played the way they had to and got the result they needed?
Where did I ever take umbrage as to the quality of Lithuania. You jumped to that conclusion on your own. Personally I think that they are a fine if older team for this Olympic cycle. As to confusing them with another nation as being obnoxious, I was jumping between Olympic channels and watched a few minutes of the game and I thought the score at the upper left hand side of my TV screen had Lat not Lit. NBC certainly did not spell out the entire team name. That's not disrespect for them. Confusion on my part yes. Coach K was interviewed following the Lithuania game and said the ease with which the three's came against Nigeria contributed to an over reliance on the three by the USA against Lithuania.
Isn't the flip side of a closer 3-point line that it means players who aren't pure shooters are more inclined to hoist up a shot or two and that defenses have an easier time helping on penetration and still getting out to challenge shooters?
Absolutely, look at how the three point line changed college basketball. That said, at issue isn't the location of the three point line for team USA. It's a lack of consistent outside shooting and how it could hurt them in the quest for a gold medal. I will say that Spain without Rubio makes them less of a threat.
This team is too good to be affected by inconsistent 3 point shooting or where the lines are or Davis' brow or whatever. Gold is on the way.. Remember, its not arrogance if you can back it up.
You know, as a soccer fan (who only watches international basketball about every 4 years), watching us totally humiliate Argentina two games in a week like that IS a fun change of pace. Feels like a guilty pleasure, though.