Basketball season continues for some of United States’ best NBA players in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic games. The opening ceremony was just a taste of what has and is to come from the USA Men’s Basketball team.
Blazing past teams in the preliminaries, the men’s USA squad has set the tone in Beijing Olympics Basketball as the dominant contender to bring home gold this summer.
Especially suave is the captain of this Olympic team, Kobe Bryant, also known as “Mamba”. He has snaked his way past defenders, opening up seams for his teammates and exemplifying what it means to be a NBA MVP.
But what is even more impressive is the USA’s team-defense. Steals are no longer rare but expected as you watch Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James hound players, creating fast-breaks for their team. Much praise from the players has been given to Assistant Coach Nate McMillan for his successful defensive strategy.
Many of the players have redefined their positions contrary to their NBA league performances. Lebron James, along with Chris Bosh, have become powerful shot blockers who complement the center position. Dwayne Wade has not only gotten himself back into phenomenal shape but has also increased his defensive prowess and court awareness. Carmelo Anthony has also stepped out of the box by selecting better shots and running more often on fast-breaks. Jason Kidd’s passing has now come to look flawless at times; and his scoring attempts seem smoother and more accordable to his style of play.
All around, this USA team has lived up to the hype of being the best in the world. With Dwight Howard dominating the paint, Chris Paul feeding everyone the ball, Dwayne Wade scoring at will, Lebron James bringing the rim down, and Kobe Bryant leading the way, the USA team has slipped out of a dream and become a nightmare for every other country.
Frank Mungeam and Stephanie Stricklen, “Blazers coach drives Redeem Team defense.” Kgw.com. URL: (http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_081908_olympics_mcmillan_coach.124b6274.html)
