Chris Paul believes defense is the key to the strength of Team USA – NBA Update
There is no doubt that team USA is filled with explosive scorers in form of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony. However the ability of this current bunch to play defense is what sets the Americans apart
from the rest of the teams – a thought shared by Los Angeles Clipper point guard, Chris Paul.
"I think the biggest thing is our defense. That's what makes us such a tough team, It isn't because of all the offensive power we have, which is amazing. Our defense is what allows us to be so consistent." Said Paul, who is expected
to be the starting one guard for the Americans throughout the tournament.
It was just last night that the Americans got the chance to display their defensive prowess when they locked horns with Spain – the nation ranked just one place below them in the FIBA rankings.
Team USA got off to a rocky start to the game and faced a nine point deficit early in the first quarter. However, they immediately turned the game on its head, mainly by converting their defense into offense. USA eventually beat
the Spaniards 100-78 in their last scrimmage before the Olympics.
It was not just the scoring prowess of James and Anthony that got them the win. Rather it was the team defense from the entire American roster. In what was possibly the biggest threat they faced before the Olympics, the Americans
displayed a good effort on the glass despite lacking a true big man, and out rebounded the Spaniards by 10.
The defensive effort from team USA was so impressive that they forced Spain to commit 7 turnovers each in the second and third quarter which led to easy points. It was in those frames that the game was decided.
Paul highlighted the defensive impact during that span post game;
"They got it going early. We're playing in their backyard. But once we established our defense, it was a different game."
US will now open their Olympic campaign on June 29 in a game against Tony Parker led France.
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