2013 NBA Finals preview + predictions

By Kshell

This NBA Finals is probably the most anticipated NBA Finals we have seen since Magic Johnson and his Los Angeles Lakers took on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1991 NBA Finals. This match up is so intriguing because it appears to be two eras clashing against each other. You have the San Antonio Spurs who are going to their fifth NBA finals who represent the old dynasty. Their face of the franchise is Tim Duncan who was the #1 pick in the NBA back in 1997. The Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is 64 years old. The Miami Heat on the other hand are the team that is seen as the next dynasty led by their face Lebron James who is only 28 years and just won his fourth MVP in five seasons. Their head coach is Erik Spoelstra who is only 42 years old. In fact the age difference in the coaches is the largest in NBA finals history. This series is intriguing also because these are the two best teams in the NBA and demonstrated all season long they were the best teams. This series also features four NBA Finals MVP's in Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. This finals also has future hall of famers Chris Bosh, Manu Ginobili and Ray Allen. This series has the star power element to it. In this following post I'll preview this finals and offer up my prediction.


1. Which star player is going to increase his legacy this series with a championship performance?

The last time we saw Tim Duncan in the NBA Finals was in 2007 when he swept the 22 year old rising star Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tim Duncan after that sweep told James after the game this league will be his and thanked him for letting him get one last championship. For Duncan it took him six more years to go back to the NBA Finals. For James he had to wait five more years before winning his first title. Both players if they retired today would be in the top 10 all-time in NBA history for greatest players to have ever lived. If Duncan can win his fifth NBA title in a span of 14 years he could rise in the top 5. Duncan also saves his best for the NBA Finals as he is a three-time NBA Finals MVP. In 22 career NBA Finals games Duncan is 16-6 and has been a monster in those finals. He is averaging 22.7 PPG, 14.4 RPG, 3.4 APG and 3.04 blocks per game. In the 2003 NBA Finals win over the New Jersey Nets Duncan in six games averaged 24.1 PPG, 17.0 RPG, 5.3 APG and 5.3 blocks per game. That might be the greatest performance in NBA Finals History.

Lebron James has had a mixed bag for the NBA Finals so far in his career. In 2007 when he was swept by Duncan and the Spurs he only averaged 22.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG and 6.8 APG. He also shot 35.6% from the field which was very un Lebron like. In 2011 against Dallas was Lebron's low point of his career where only averaged 17.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 6.8 APG as he was only the teams' third leading scorer. That all changed for James last year when he was NBA Finals MVP against the Zombie Sonics. He averaged 28.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG and 7.4 APG which were all NBA Finals career highs. This postseason James is playing great once again averaging 26.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 6.4 APG. His stats don't tell the whole story as he rested a lot in the first round sweep of the Milwaukee Bucks. At the end of this series one of these two guys are going to greatly improve their legacy. I expect both players to have huge series as I don't see either team stopping Duncan who made NBA First Team at the age of 37 years old or Lebron James who is in his prime.

2. Whichever struggling star rises up this series their team wins the title:

I'm sure everyone has heard about the struggles of Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade by now but the Spurs are waiting for their key player Manu Ginobili to step up this series. For Ginobili and Wade this will be their fourth NBA Finals trip and neither team will win the title if they continue to struggle. Ginobili this postseason has been pretty bad averaging only 11.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 5.4 APG while shooting only 38.3% from the field.

For Wade he has also been dreadful this postseason averaging only 14.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 4.9 APG while shooting only 44.7% from the field. He was especially bad against the Indiana Pacers until game 7 when he scored 21 points his first 20 point outing since game two of the first round. Wade does tend to play his best in the NBA Finals though. In 17 career Finals games Wade is averaging 28.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.88 steals and 1.23 blocks which is pretty impressive. In the 2006 NBA Finals he was Finals MVP as he averaged 34.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.7 steals per game and 1.0 blocks per game. If Wade plays like he is capable the Heat should win the series. However given he is 31 years old and breaking down who knows what the Heat will get from Wade?

The same could be said for Ginobili who hasn't scored in double figures in four of his last five postseason games. Ginobili is going be 36 this summer and a big part of the reason why the Spurs haven't reached the NBA Finals since 2007. He hasn't been healthy since then. In the Finals he has played well in the past in 2007 he averaged 17.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 2.5 APG. In 2005 he averaged 18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 4.0 APG. In 2003 he was more of a role player back then but he was a huge part of the last two championship teams. If the Spurs can get Ginobili to return to what he's capable of they'll win the title.

I feel like this is the series right here. I know James, Parker and Duncan will play well. If Wade can play like Wade the Heat have the advantage but if Wade struggles the Spurs have the slight edge. If Ginobili can give the Spurs something they've been missing from him this whole postseason they could very well win the title.

3. Will Tony Parker claim title of NBA's best point and have a similar performance like his NBA Finals MVP performance in 2007? 

I remember when Parker was in his first NBA Finals in 2003 the sub plot was the Spurs were going to get rid of him and sign the man he was going up against Jason Kidd. Now Parker might be the NBA's best point guard(It's him or Chris Paul). Parker is having a great playoffs so far as this has been his team since 2011 when the Spurs went from being an old aging dynasty to rejuvenated. Parker this postseason is averaging 23.0 PPG, 7.2 APG and 3.9 RPG. In the Western Conference Finals sweep vs the Memphis Grizzlies Parker averaged 24.5 PPG, 9.5 APG and 3.5 RPG. He shot a ridiculous 26-43(60.4%) from the field in the games final two games.

This is nothing new for Parker on the big stage as he has 17 NBA Finals starts under his belt. He was the NBA Finals MVP against Lebron James in the 2007 NBA Finals. He averaged 24.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 3.3 APG while shooting 56.8% from the field and 57.1% from three pointers that series. Parker is a five-time all-star and has made second team all-NBA the last two seasons. Another strong Finals this year for Parker would put him as the best point guard in the game right now. Also historically he would be the starting point guard on four title teams. Three of those teams he'd been the best player or second best player on the team. Parker has to come up huge for the Spurs to have a chance and most likely will be having Lebron James cover him in the fourth quarter.

4. Will Chris Bosh make an appearance this Finals after no showing in the ECF? 

Chris Bosh has struggled this postseason and especially in the last four games. These playoffs he is only averaging 12.3 PPG and 6.6 RPG. In the last four games Bosh is averaging only 7.0 PPG and 5.0 RPG. He is shooting 8-34(23.5%) in that four game stretch as well. Roy Hibbert completely took Bosh out of the series with his height and physicality. Bosh was over matched and lost his confidence. However, he is facing a team that he's done well against this year in their two meetings. Bosh averaged 20.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG against the Spurs while shooting 58.6% from the field. Bosh also had a memorable moment this year against the Spurs. The Heat were playing without Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers at San Antonio in late March. The Heat somehow were only trailing by one point when Chris Bosh hit the game winning three pointer . I don't think the Spurs are as physical as the Pacers are so Bosh should be in his comfort zone.

Bosh has played well in the last two NBA Finals as well. In the 2011 NBA Finals loss Bosh actually out scored Lebron as he averaged 18.5 PPG and led the team in rebounds with 7.3 per game. Last year in the Finals he was coming off an injury and played well again averaging 14.6 PPG and 9.4 RPG. In the clinching game Bosh scored 24 points and had 7 rebounds as he shot 9-14(64.3%) from the field. The Heat obviously can't win the title if Bosh provides them nothing. Bosh has to step up and I think in this match up he should do much better.

Prediction: Heat win in six games

The Miami Heat are the best team in the NBA, have home court advantage, have the best player in the game while in his prime and also haven't lost back to back games since January. This postseason when the Heat do lose a game they respond by beating their opponent by an average of 22.6 points per game. I think they have been playing around with their opponents like last years postseason saw. Last year the aging Boston Celtics pushed the Heat to elimination before the Heat won in seven. Then everyone doubted them against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Heat won in five games in what was their easiest series of the playoffs since the first round.

I expect the Spurs to get a split in Miami and I think this series will be tied at two games a piece. Unlike in 2011 I think the Heat win the pivotal game five on the road then come back home to celebrate. The Heat are in the Finals despite Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Ray Allen all underachieving. Those players are all due to break out and if they just break out even slightly you see what can happen . This is James league now and Duncan prophecy will come true. This is now James league and Duncan was fortunate to go up against James when he was 22 years old. Like James said recently he is 50 times better than he was then. He's won two gold medals, four NBA MVP's and a championship since that time. Teams who have reached the NBA Finals for the third straight year have won the last five times(1990 Detroit Pistons, 1993 Chicago Bulls, 1998 Chicago Bulls, 2002 Los Angeles Lakers, and 2010 Los Angeles Lakers). Just like in 1991 the new up and coming dynasty is going to take out the old dynasty.

Team USA destroys Argentina 109-83; advances to Gold Medal Game

By Kshell

The United States once again for the third time in the past three weeks proved to be too much for Argentina. The Argentina team that defeated the United States back in 2004 lost twice in a span of four days to this current USA team. Team USA sent a message today that they have four guys capable of carrying them and all four took turns. In the first quarter it was Kobe Bryant dominating the game, in the second quarter Lebron James simply wouldn't allow Argentina to grab any momentum, in the third quarter Kevin Durant and James started to carry the team then in the fourth quarter Carmelo Anthony put on the finishing touches. The United States team after struggling with the three point shot in the first half shot 13-25(52.0%) from down town. In 2004 when the upset happened only one of the top 10 scorers was on the United States basketball team, while the top six scorers are on this current team. The Americans are now just one game away against Spain who they defeated for the Gold back in 2008 from repeating as Gold Medal champions.

The United States started the game off red hot led by Kobe Bryant as the U.S. took an 18-4 lead to start the game. Argentina immediately answered with a 13-1 run cutting the lead to 19-17 before the United States led 24-19 after the first quarter. Kobe Bryant scored 11 points drilling three three pointers while Luis Scola scored six for Argentina. In the second quarter the game went back and forth as the United States outscored Argentina 23-21 but Manu Ginobili hit a three pointer at the buzzer as the United States took a 47-40 lead at halftime. Lebron James scored nine points in the second quarter. For Argentina in the first half they shot 15-34(44.1%) from the field and 6-14(42.8%) from three point range. They were led by Scola who scored 10 points on 5-11 shooting. Carlos Delfino scored 13 points on four for nine shooting including three three pointers. While Ginobili scored eight points on three for seven shooting with two three pointers.

In the first half for the United States they shot great from the field making 20-38(52.6%) from the field but struggled from three point range making only 5-17(29.4%)  from the outside. They out-rebounded Argentina 23-12. At halftime they were led by Kobe Bryant who scored 13 points on five for eight shooting including three three pointers with three rebounds. Lebron James scored 11 points on five for six shooting with three rebounds and four assists. Kevin Love scored seven points on three for six shooting with four rebounds all four were offensive. Chris Paul scored three points making a three pointer but had four assists. The United States two big three point shooters Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony had made only one combined three pointer in the first half. In the second half though that would change as both finally woke up.

The lead cut down to 51-46 that is when Kevin Durant started to explode from down town. Then with the United States leading 56-46 after a missed three pointer Lebron James grabbed the rebound kicked it out to Carmelo Anthony who then passed to an open Durant for a three pointer. Later in the quarter Lebron James blew by everyone for a dunk and one giving the United States a 64-51 lead. In the third quarter the United States had outscored Argentina 27-17 to take a 74-57 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Durant scored 12 points in the quarter hitting four for six from three point range while James scored seven points with three rebounds and three assists. In the fourth quarter the United States blew the game open outscoring Argentina 35-26 led by Carmelo Anthony scoring 12 points on four three pointers as he finally caught fire. Anthony is now the career three point leader in U.S. Olympic history while Durant set the single tournament record for three pointers.

For the United States they finished the game shooting 43-81(53.0%) from the field and 18-42(42.8%) from three point range while winning the rebounding battle 46-29. The United States had five guys in double figures led by Kevin Durant who scored 19 points on 7-14 shooting including 5-10 from three point range. Lebron James scored 18 points on 8-12 shooting with seven rebounds and seven assists. Carmelo Anthony scored 18 points on 7-14 shoting including four for eight from three point range with six rebounds and three assists. Kobe Bryant scored all 13 points in the first half on 5-10 shooting with three three pointers. Chris Paul scored 10 points on three for four shooting including two three pointers and seven assists. Kevin Love provided a big spark in the first half finishing with nine points and nine rebounds including four offensive. Russell Westbrook who had to leave the game due to injury scored seven points on three for four shooting. Deron Williams scored six points hitting two three pointers with six assists. For the United States this was a total team effort as they are one game away from placing themselves up there with the 1992 Dream Team for the best ever. This team has so many weapons and during this game you had four different guys carry the team for a quarter. They blew out a good Argentina team by a combined 55 points during this week hitting 38 three pointers on them.

For Argentina it was an end of an era. They took 2nd in the 2002 World Games and then in 2004 upset the United States while taking home the gold medal. They were led by Manu Ginobili who scored 18 points on 7-15 shooting with three three pointers. Luis Scola scored 15 points on 7-15 shooting as well. Carlos Delfino scored 15 points on 5-12 shooting with three three pointers. Argentina was simply too old and more importantly not athletic enough to hang with the Americans. Due to his age and a possible rule change this was the last Olympics for the core players highlighted by those three I just mentioned. Ginobili and the rest of his team is why the United States decided no more just putting a team together and sending them over. Instead the United States has been building this team since 2006 where James, Anthony, Williams, and Paul have been playing since 2006. Kobe Bryant joined the team in 2007. Kevin Durant, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook joined the team in 2010. The United States copied Argentina and sometimes you need to get punched in the mouth to become excellent again. For that all the Americans should thank Argentina for what they did to the U.S. back in 2002 and 2004.

For the United States the dream is about to become a reality as they are about to etch their name in history. I think if the United States wins the gold medal game in a blowout this team will be revered much like the 1992 Dream Team was. The United States is beating their opponents by an average of 35.7 points per game with only one game being within 25 points which was the scare against Lithuania where ever since James and Durant started to log more minutes along with Bryant. The 2008 team was cruising as well but the gold medal game against Spain got uncomfortably close which is why this team and not the 2008 team has a chance to be up there with the 1992 Dream Team. The competition in the world is a lot better today than it was back in the 1990's and for this team to be destroying their opponents especially a good Argentina team by an average of 27.5 points in one week is something special. For this team the goal is within sight finally all they need to do is finish the deal.

Observations:

- Kobe Bryant came out looking like the old Kobe in the first quarter. He scored 11 points drilling three three pointers and made a great baseline move for the dunk which reminded everyone of his old self. There was no secret that Bryant was struggling during these games but he continued from where he left off against Australia which really set the tone for the game. Although he didn't score in the second half it didn't matter as the United States has so many weapons. What matter was the fact that Bryant for the second straight game showed he belongs on the court in crucial moments. During these Olympics now Bryant is averaging 11.4 PPG but only shooting 41.7% from the field. However he is making his three point shot making two full three's a game at 43.8% clip which is pretty impressive. As long as Bryant doesn't force his shots team USA will blow out Spain. I felt Bryant did a great job playing within the offense waiting for his open three point shots and drilling them.

- Kevin Durant struggled in the first half but erupted like he did last time these two teams played in the third quarter. He scored 12 of his 19 points in the third quarter just like four days ago he scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter. This game Durant made 5-10 from three point range as he set the single Olympic tournament record for 29 three pointers made. During these Olympics Durant is leading the team in scoring averaging 18.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG. He is shooting 49.4% from the field but making 4.1 three pointers per game at a ridiculous 55.8% clip. To have that much weight and to be shooting that well from three point range is ridiculous. The United States have Kobe Bryant and Lebron James on their team yet offensively the world probably fears Durant and Carmelo Anthony the most. The United States has never in their history had a team be this good from three point range. Durant has been automatic from three point range and as a Sonics fan it has been nice to finally get to root for Durant as he would be my favorite player of all-time had the team that was stolen from us stayed.

- Carmelo Anthony caught fire in the fourth quarter to score 18 points making four three points all in the fourth quarter. Anthony during his Olympic career has hit 37 three pointers which gives him the all-time lead although Durant only trails by eight. Anthony during these Olympics has been a terrific sixth man off the bench much like Dywane Wade was back in 2008. Anthony during these games is averaging 17.4 PPG in only 17.3 minutes per game. He is also averaging 4.7 RPG as he is shooting 55.8% from the field and has made 21 three pointers during these Olympics which is good for three a game at a 52.5% clip. The United States has two athletic wing players who are shooting above 50% from three point range who are making over three three pointers a game. Anthony is averaging 48.2 points per 48 minutes which nobody has done in the history of the NBA besides Wilt Chamberlain. Anthony without a doubt is playing the best ball of his career and is proving when surrounded with good players he can take over. His shooting has improved a lot over the years and he is just one of many players on this roster who is a nightmare match up for anyone trying to defend them.

- Whenever Argentina would cut the lead down in the second quarter Lebron James would take over with a bucket or two. Then in the third quarter to put the game away he scored seven points while dishing out three assists. For the game James finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. For these Olympics James is averaging 12.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG and 5.9 APG. Even more incredible is the fact he is playing so efficient as he is shooting 60.0% from the field and has 41 assists to only seven turnovers which is a 5.9 assist to turnover ratio. James is filling up the stat sheet during these games especially in the elimination portion of the tournament. James with his excellent defense and all around play as the United States one game away from him completing the best season we've seen since Michael Jordan in 1992. James has a chance to win regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP and win the Olympic Gold Medal. Only Jordan is the only player in the history of the game who can say that so it's fitting that James who is the closest to challenging Jordan's legacy as best ever will reach that point potentially. With the way James, Bryant, Durant and Anthony are all on the same page I don't see the gold medal game being close. The offense runs best when James is running the point forward so he can attack the rim or dish to an open Anthony, Bryant, Durant, Deron Williams or Chris Paul for an easy three pointer.

This team is on the verge of something special but will face an interesting challenge against Spain. Spain features both Gasol brothers plus Serge Ibaka(so yes if not for Howard Schultz we'd have four guys in the gold medal game) which is the best front court in the tournament. The United States is weak in the front court due to Tyson Chandler constantly being in foul trouble. On the other end though I don't see how Spain matches up with a United States team who is hitting 16 three pointers a game shooting at a 44.5% clip. The United States is outscoring their opponents by 24.9 points per game on just three pointers alone. Like Chris Paul said going into the tournament every game someone is going to be red hot you can't stop all of them. This team is very deep, they know their roles well, they can go on a huge run at any moment in the game quickly to put an opponent away. The United States in 2008 had redemption while this team is proving they are the kings of the world. They still have one more game against Spain but I feel like that is more of a championship celebration. This team has put in the hard work been together for a while which has been something special. I missed out on the 1992 Dream Team but I'm sure glad I haven't missed out on this 2012 edition of the Dream Team.

Durant explodes in 3rd quarter as Team USA trounces Argentina 126-97

By Kshell

For the second straight game the United States was in a battle with their opponent at halftime. With the United States only leading 60-59 at halftime against Argentina a team they struggled beating in an exhibition game two weeks ago it was looking like the U.S. was going to be upset. Then Kevin Durant scored 17 of his game high 28 points in the third quarter as the United States outscored Argentina 42-17 to put the game away. The United States ended pool play going 5-0 as they were the only team to go unbeaten in pool play. Now the tournament begins where it is single elimination. The United States had moments where they were tested in these five games but they also had moments of pure dominance. When the United States is making their three point shots nobody in the world can stay close with them. The U.S. just has too much fire power on their roster for other countries to keep up.

In the first half team USA led 34-32 after the first quarter only to be outscored 27-26 in the second quarter to take a 60-59 lead at halftime. After escaping the previous meeting and their previous game many expected team USA to come out in full force. This Argentina team is very talented with NBA players Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Carlos Delfino and Andres Nocioni leading the way. Ginobili in the first half was doing what he does in the NBA which is flop and get calls to go his way. Once again team USA was facing their toughest challenge this year in the first half as this was their smallest lead at halftime. Unlike the previous game against Lithuania the United States busted out with a big third quarter to blow the game wide open. The United States has proven they can produce big long stretches of greatness when they need to. What they need to stop doing though is coast which they had been doing for one and a half games.

In the third quarter the United States outscored Argentina 42-17 led by Kevin Durant scoring 17 points. The United States then coasted to a 126-97 taking care of business as they were bombing three pointers. The U.S. shot 45-88(51.1%) from the field, 20-39(51.2%) from three point range and 16-20(80.0%) from the free throw line. They dominated the rebounds out-rebounding Argentina 47-33 including 20 offensive.Also had 29 assists to only eight turnovers as well. The United States was led by Kevin Durant who scored 28 points on 9-12 shooting including 8-10 from three point range while grabbing four rebounds, dishing out four assists and recording three steals. Lebron James once again had another good game scoring 18 points on 7-12 shooting including a three pointer and making all three free throws. James also added three rebounds and five assists. Chris Paul scored 17 points on six for seven shooting including five for six on three pointers with seven assists. Andre Iguodola  scored 13 points on six for nine shooting including a three pointer while grabbing nine rebounds. Kevin Love also scored 13 points on five for seven shooting including a three pointer with nine rebounds. Kobe Bryant scored 11 points on 3-10 shooting  with a three pointer and made all four free throws. Team USA really picked it up in the second half in making 20 three pointers in the game which made it tough for Argentina to keep up.

For Argentina they hung with the Americans for a half but that was all. They would shoot 33-65(50.8%) from the field, 10-26(38.4%) and 21-28(75.0%) from the free throw line. They only had 16 turnovers which against the United States is pretty good. They were led by Manu Ginobili who scored 16 points on four for seven shooting including a three pointer while making all seven free throws. Ginobili would also have six assists and five rebounds. Carlos Delfino scored 13 points on 5-12 shooting including going two for seven on three pointers. Andres Nocioni finished with 12 points on 5-10 shooting with two three pointers. Luis Scola scored 11 points on four for eight shooting. Argentina just couldn't keep up with a much more focused United States team in the third quarter. When the United States is playing at their best nobody in the world can hang within 20 points of them.

The United States is 5-0 but has struggled in four of the five games in the first half. The key is the United States is so talented they can turn it on at any moment led by Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony during these Olympics. When someone has an off night they have so many weapons who can pick up the slack. With running James at center that allows the United States to have five guys on the court who can all hit three pointers, score in the paint and the ability to create turnovers on defense. The United States wants to keep attacking pushing the score as nobody can keep up with the. They want games to be a track race as nobody can keep up. In the future I'm sure teams will try to stall the ball a little bit more and work the clock to slow the United States down. For now the United States showed they are still the best in the world as they won their 47th international game in a row.

Observations:

- Lebron James is still the best player in the world in these Olympics. He is showing everyone why he is so great because for the bulk of these Olympics he is playing center while also bringing the ball up the court. James finished with 18 points, five assists and three rebounds. He carried team USA down the stretch of the Lithuania game scoring 9 of his 20 points in the final four minutes. For most of group play the United States hasn't needed James to do much but he is still producing. In group play James is averaging 11.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 4.4 APG while shooting 25-41(61.0%) from the field. James stats took a hit in the big blowout against Nigeria when he didn't have to do much but as you can see he is filling up the stat sheet. He is also shooting extremely well in these Olympics and has already proven at any moment he can light up the scoreboard if this team needs him to do that.

- Chris Paul finally had a break out game. Paul finished with 17 on six for seven shooting including five for six on three point shots. He also had seven assists. For Paul who finished 3rd in the MVP race this past season he had struggled early on but has picked up the last couple of games which has been nice to see. Paul during these Olympics is averaging 7.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG and leading the team with 5.8 assists per game. He is shooting 15-29(51.7%) from the field and 8-17(47.1%) from three point range. With Paul playing well to go along with James, Anthony and Durant this team is dangerous. The United States just needs another super star to get his game going.

- Kobe Bryant has been struggling during these Olympics. It could be that he is 33 and having played in 16 NBA seasons which saw 15 make the NBA playoffs. In those 15 playoff appearances he advanced passed the first round in 13 of those, made eight western conference finals and seven NBA Finals. Meaning he is a ton of mileage on those legs. Bryant finished this game shooting 3-10 scoring only 11 points and last game was 1-7 shooting meaning he has been 4-17(23.5%) the last two games. He has also been getting burned on defense and with the exception of the first quarter against Nigeria hasn't looked like the Kobe Bryant we've all watched through the years.

During these Olympics Bryant is averaging 9.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG and only 0.8 APG. He is shooting 14-36(38.9%) from the field and 5-16(31.3%) on three point attempts. During this past year despite making all-NBA first-team Bryant only shot 43.0% from the field and shot 30.3% from three point range. Perhaps he no longer is that superstar that we view him as. Perhaps he only is a top 10 player instead of being discussed as the best player. Eventually every player loses the battle to age and I'm wondering if we are witnessing that battle right now in front of our eyes as Bryant doesn't appear to be playing like the player he was say the last Olympics when he was in his prime years.

- The man who was built to score Kevin Durant scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter hitting five three pointers to put this game away. Durant finished the game drilling 8-10 from three point range. Durant has been deadly these entire Olympic games especially with the three point shot and his all around game is evolving as well. What makes team USA so deadly is one game James can carry the team, another Anthony did and this game it was Durant who was bombing three pointers all over the place and with deadly accuracy.

During these Olympics Durant is averaging 18.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 3.8 APG showing his all around play. He is shooting 29-56(51.8%) from the field and a ridiculous 20-33(60.6%) from three point range. He has also made 15-17(88.2%) from the free throw line. Durant is making four three pointers a game while making 3/5's of his three point attempts. He is 6'10", quick and athletic while also being the best shooter in the entire world. Nobody in the NBA can guard him let alone international players who have never been known for their defense. With Durant playing in midseason form the United States might have a scare here or there but I don't see this team losing a game.

Now that pool play is over it is on the medal round where if you lose you are done as it is single elimination. No more screwing around for the United States and letting teams hang around. They must come out early and put these countries away so they don't even think about trying to put a scare into them. The United States is clicking on all cylinders with so many weapons and so many different ways to beat you. The NBA has evolved into an international style of play which is why this current USA team is built for this play. The United States who couldn't buy a three pointer back in 2004 are now the most deadly three point shooting team in the Olympics. The U.S. basically plays two guards and three forwards which all three forwards can also play guard. The United States has so many different lineups they can run with it is scary and now that it is single elimination look for coach K to settle more on a rotation which means more minutes for Durant, James, Bryant, Paul and Anthony which can only mean one thing for the world which is trouble. The United States blew out a good team in Argentina a team that they'll perhaps have to face for a third time in three weeks this Friday if both teams win their Wednesday game. For the U.S. they have proven they are battle tested and can beat you in so many different ways.