USA made it two wins from two, with 99-77 hammering of Slovenia, in the opening game of day two in Istanbul.
The Americans got off to a flying start, as they notched up 10 unanswered points, including five from Durant. The exciting play continued with a dunk from Andre Iguodala. Jaka Lakovic and Bostjan Nachbar provided the main scoring power for the Slovenians – but the U.S led at the of one, 23-11.
Part of silencing the partizan Slovenian crowd was not in USA coach Mike Krzyzewski’s mind, joking to TalkBasket.net: “There’s no way a coach can control a crowd.”
“All our guys have played in environments much tougher than today – it was a great crowd, but we’d rather have noise than no noise.” Krzyzewski said.
The men in green hung around, and mounted a comeback early in the second. A 10-2 run sent the crowd, made-up mainly of Slovenians into a mass frenzy, as Slovenia came to within six, mid-way through the second (21-27)..
The U.S. though conjured up a run of their own, and Durant ended the quarter dunking home on a breakaway to give his side a 40-25 lead. Lakovic ended the half with a pair of free-throws – but they trailed at the half-time, 27-40.
The third started the way the first did, in most ways. As America came out with breathtaking breakaway basketball. First an alley-oop finished by Durant, thrown by Derrick Rose – then Iguodala stripping Dragic – then slamming home – America’s lead ballooned to 22. (54-32).
Slovenia came back strong, as they went on a quickfire 8-2 run, which ended with back-to-back dunks from Gasper Vidmar. USA had a comfortable lead heading into the final stanza. (67-46)
The final period didn’t produce the run that Slovenia had hoped for, as buckets from Lamar Odom and Rose gave the States a 71-50 lead – as anything Slovenia did, the U.S more than matched it.
“We were pleased to beat an outstanding Slovenia team.” Coach Krzyzewski commented.
“It was a good, tough international game. They have a great perimeter. It’s great to come out with the win.”
Despite defeat – the thousands of Slovenian fans kept the noise going until the end.
John Hobbs for TalkBasket.net – in Istanbul
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