USA Faces Test Against Banged Up Brazil

[nbaman99]

ISTANBUL -- Team USA gets its first real test Monday. But it might not be as much of one as originally thought.

A week after losing NBA big man Nene for the World Championship due to a leg injury, Brazil officials don't know yet whether they will have another NBA big man available in Anderson Varejao, who hasn't played since he suffered a sprained ankle in an Aug. 18 exhibition game. That includes having missed the first two games of the Worlds.

"I don't know if I'm going to play," Varejao told FanHouse on Sunday. "But I am feeling better, though."

The Cleveland big man could be pivotal to Brazil's chances of pulling an upset in the game that almost certainly will decide Group B. The teams are tied for first at 2-0.

"It is very important," Brazil center Tiago Splitter (above), who recently signed with San Antonio, said of having Varejao in an attempt to defeat the Americans. "I think Anderson is a guy who knows them very well. He is extra energy on the court, and we hope he's OK and he can play."

It sure would help Splitter having Varejao alongside him. But with or without him, Splitter denied he feels any extra pressure due to Spurs fans anxious to see how he looks against Team USA.

"I feel confident in myself," said Splitter, who said he needs to get his visa situation in order but vows to get to San Antonio as soon as he can after the Worlds end Sept. 12, arriving early for the Sept. 28 start of training camp. "(Splitter is) going to show everybody why I'm in the NBA. ... It's going to be a good test."



FanHouse's Chris Tomasson is in Turkey for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
The Americans believe the Brazilians will be a worthy foe as well.

"We look at it the same way," Team USA big man Kevin Love said of the game almost certainly deciding Group B. "We just want to come out there and really execute our game plan and not have a lapse."

The Brazilians had lapses Sunday as they were perhaps looking ahead to their date with the Americans. They struggled before finally pulling away to beat Tunisia 80-65. Toronto guard Leandro Barbosa led Brazil with 21 points.

"It's going to be a big game," Barbosa said of Monday. "Hopefully, (Varejao) can come back. If he doesn't, we have to prepare ourselves with what we've got."

Asked to give to give a brief scouting report on the Brazilians, Team USA assistant Jim Boeheim lauded Barbosa and said "their big guys are very good around the basket."

But if Varejao can't play, what initially looked to be a trio of very accomplished big men will have been reduced to just Splitter.

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/29/usa-faces-test-against-banged-up-brazil/

[Juanobili]

oh snap, what time?

[gospursgojas]

130 on espn

[8FOR!3]

Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, and Lamar Odom. I hope Splitter wrecks them...

[Rummpd]

what is the visa issue that he is referring to? I would imagine that NBA foreign players get H1 visas or something equivelent pretty easily?

[Texas_Ranger]

Brazill is overrated. Everyone in our group is scared of them. And I really don't know why???

USA by 30.

[hater]

No nene. and Varejao is more important to brasil team than splitter. Hope he plays

[EduRiker]

Good point. Brazil´s play have been subpar so far. If we really had Nene then things might be a little different.

I predict 3 losses in the next games. Slovenia and Croatia just played one hell of a game. I dont think Brazil can match that.

[TimmehC]

Brazill is overrated. Everyone in our group is scared of them. And I really don't know why???

USA by 30.

If Varejao and Nene were healthy, they'd pretty much have the best frontcourt in the tournament. But with just Splitter holding it down, they're pretty vulnerable.

[DesignatedT]

I agree. I expect a USA blowout with or without varajeo. Splitter might be able to have a pretty decent game if odom matches up on him for the most part.

[cd98]

Unlike some of the past teams the USA has sent to FIBA, I really like this team. This team has taken on a Durrant-like character of humility and heart. I can't help but find myself rooting for them. Unfortunately, it will all be wasted when Lebron, Wade, and Kobe kick the more likeable players to the curb in the next Olympics.

I hope Splitter has a dominating game, but that team USA wins by a comfortable margin.

[Hooks]

Does anyone know if Varejao & Nene are better than Splitter? I've seen Varejao in the NBA but I've yet to have seen him with Brazil...

[8FOR!3]

I've heard the Splitter/Varejao comparison, but I really think Splitter's the superior player. I don't think he's yet on the level of Nene on the other hand, but I have little knowledge on the matter.

[MannyIsGod]

lol Brazil.

[Texas_Ranger]

If Varejao and Nene were healthy, they'd pretty much have the best frontcourt in the tournament. But with just Splitter holding it down, they're pretty vulnerable.

I agree. With Splitter, Nene and Varejao Brazil would have had a great frontcourt. They'd be a contender for a medal. But now just with Tiago and not a real Varejao it sucks. I do know Splitter will kick all of our centers ass, but he won't score more than 25. Barbosa's been good so far, but I don't really see others playing that great against Slo. or Cro. I do believe they will win against Croatia cause their big guys make stupid fauls, and I expect a close game with Slovenia. But today they've got no chance.

[nkdlunch]

awesome! to see Splitter vs. solid NBAers

today will be a very good metric to see how he will do this season. My guess? today the legend of Splitter starts

[elbamba]

Give them all three and Team USA still beats them by 20+.

[ace3g]

Splitter at the tip

[ace3g]

Splitter already with a assist

[hater]

splitter killed by durant

[ace3g]

well USA pressed Brazil and Splitter had to dribble the ball up the court; did a decent job but after his pass the ball got stolen

[manufan10]

Does anyone know of a link where I can watch the game? I'm at work, so I don't have access to ESPN. Thanks!

[ace3g]

Splitter draws a foul on Odom in the paint

[ace3g]

nice PnR by Splitter for the easy layup

[Sausage]

Nice Splitter pick and roll bucket

[hater]

Brazil has Magnano as coach. If anyone can beat USA it's him.

[ace3g]

nice pass by Splitter after he fell down in the post for a 3 pointer

[MannyIsGod]

LMAO Odom tried to take Splitter.

[hater]

Splitter looks great

[ace3g]

Splitter with his trademark floater hook shot

again ESPN said Splitter is having VISA issues, hopefully this doesn't become a problem

[MannyIsGod]

Game looks like a pick up game so far. 3rd game in 3 days might be taking its toll on legs.

[MannyIsGod]

Great fake but you can't go up that weak in the NBA.

[ace3g]

well Splitter made a nice pump fake move got passed Love, then got blocked by Gay when he tried to go for a layup off the glass

[Kobayagi]

Brazil looking good.

[ace3g]

wow I thought that shot by Garcia was going to blocked, had a weird release(much longer than usual) but made the 3

[MannyIsGod]

Brazil can't miss 3s.

[ace3g]

Barbossa with a 3

[yavozerb]

Great fake but you can't go up that weak in the NBA.

Splitter well learn this with experience..But lets be honest, not many games when he will go up against a starting 5 like the one he's seeing today.

[ace3g]

another 3 by Barbossa, Brazil up 26-22

[hater]

Barbosa looking like Manu

[MannyIsGod]

LOL Kevin Stone Hands Love

[ace3g]

Dunk by Splitter!!!!

[Texas_Ranger]

Lol usa

[ace3g]

now a blk by Splitter!!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Brazil playing with a great deal more energy right now and they can't miss. USA looks dead tired. Pretty sure it will change around but damn the US looked slow.

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

real nice splitter :tu

[hater]

after this game, if drafted today, Splitter would go #1

[MannyIsGod]

lol 4 of 5 from 3s. Slovenia needs to learn something from Brazil, imo.

[Nathan89]

:wowtis-is-fantastic

[Hooks]

Get that shit outta here Westbrook!


Splitter will fit in nicely, he looks great on the pick and roll, him and Manu are gonna tear shit up!

C-Splitter
PF-Blair
SF-Anderson? Gee?
SG-Manu
PG-Temple/Hill

[ace3g]

good defense there by Splitter on Billups

[hater]

one thing we learned is Splitter can't guard Durant and probably won't be able to guard Dirk

[ace3g]

Splitter picks up his 2nd foul

[MannyIsGod]

I'm very impressed with Splitter's vision and passing.

[ace3g]

nice pass by Splitter to Vinicius in the corner for 3

[ace3g]

Splitter won't have to guard durant in the NBA, so don't get to worried about that in this game

[GrandeDavid]

Brazill is overrated. Everyone in our group is scared of them. And I really don't know why???

USA by 30.

They're missing Varejao and Nene...and they're up seven midway through the second period, yet they're overrated?

[Zelophehad]

2nd foul on Splitter was bogus.

[Hooks]

#9 from Brazil freaken sucks!

[MannyIsGod]

They're missing Varejao and Nene...and they're up seven midway through the second period, yet they're overrated?

Nene and Varejao really won't make a difference considering Splitter is playing exceptionally well and Brazil's guards are shooting lights out.

USA will still win this by 20, imo.

[ace3g]

http://espn.go.com/extra/fiba/boxscore?gameId=300832917

boxscore

[rayray2k8]

one thing we learned is Splitter can't guard Durant and probably won't be able to guard Dirk

We already got someone who can....
But its also the other way around...

[DAF86]

Nene and Varejao really won't make a difference considering Splitter is playing exceptionally well and Brazil's guards are shooting lights out.

USA will still win this by 20, imo.

Arguably their two best players wouldn't make a difference?

[SpursTillTheEnd]

who the fuck said splitter cant guard durant, splitter is cold as fuck i take it back he aint garbage this nigga splitter shut down kd on that drive real talk

[Zelophehad]

Nene and Varejao really won't make a difference considering Splitter is playing exceptionally well and Brazil's guards are shooting lights out.

USA will still win this by 20, imo.
:lmao missing two of their four best players won't make a difference.

[ace3g]

the best thing about Splitter is if he has to switch defenders and guard someone on the perimeter; I won't be as worried if it were Timmy, Dice, Bonner, etc

[hater]

Nene and Varejao really won't make a difference considering Splitter is playing exceptionally well and Brazil's guards are shooting lights out.

USA will still win this by 20, imo.

:bang

missing 2 of their 3 solid NBA veterans?

[MannyIsGod]

They're both centers. What are they going to do thats going to somehow change this game?

[MannyIsGod]

OMG THEY PLAYED IN TEH NBA SO THEY WOULD BE OUT THERE DUNKING NON STOP.

Give me a fucking break. How are they going to improve Brazil in this game so far?

[MannyIsGod]

Nene would be rebounding all those missed 3s I guess.

[MannyIsGod]

Side Show Bob would have flown back on defense with his amazing speed and stopped that break by the US.

[yavozerb]

They're both centers. What are they going to do thats going to somehow change this game?

:wow, this really has to be explained..Its called depth and you could easily play any of them at the 4 or 5 together.

[ace3g]

as much as I would like to see him back out there; Splitter shows how much of a difference he will make; Brazil has done a good job limiting his minutes so far; only 23 minutes in the first 2 games so far

[MannyIsGod]

Nene would have blocked that 3.

[DAF86]

OMG THEY PLAYED IN TEH NBA SO THEY WOULD BE OUT THERE DUNKING NON STOP.

Give me a fucking break. How are they going to improve Brazil in this game so far?

Depth for example, if Brazil gets tired as the game goes on, you know Nene and Varejao could have made a difference.

[MannyIsGod]

:wow, this really has to explained..Its called depth and you could easily play any of them at the 4 or 5 together.

K, they'd both sit underneath the basket and watch the ball go in while their guards jack up 3s. Huge impact on the game.

My bad.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

nigga splitter is fucking ballin

[bobby4germany]

LOL Lamar Odom!

[Spurologist]

"Tiago shoots to the left side of the rim"

He'll fit right in

[hater]

They're both centers. What are they going to do thats going to somehow change this game?

Varejao is most important bigman to brazil. He is the glue guy and best defender.

Nene is the most talented and is near allstar.

yeah, they won't make a difference at all.

:rolleyes

[yavozerb]

K, they'd both sit underneath the basket and watch the ball go in while their guards jack up 3s. Huge impact on the game.

My bad.

Its hard to talk basketball to someone who obviously does not understand the game..

[Zelophehad]

JP Batista for Nene. No difference. :lmao :lmao

[DAF86]

lol just beatiful.

[ace3g]

PnR dunk by Splitter!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Varejao is most important bigman to brazil. He is the glue guy and best defender.

Nene is the most talented and is near allstar.

yeah, they won't make a difference at all.

:rolleyes

Are you even watching the game?

[DAF86]

Varejao would have gotten at least a couple of flops on the US bigmen. Maybe even a technical. :lol

[Zelophehad]

Are you even watching the game?
Did you see the part where JP Batista went in the game?

[SpursRulez4eVeR]

i wonder how many illegal screens the refs are gonna call on splitter in the nba

[SpursTillTheEnd]

splitter looks tired as fuck but he still fucking ballin, that pick n roll is fuckin nice i give splitter props he nice as fuck

[hater]

JP Batista for Nene. No difference. :lmao :lmao

:lmao

[MannyIsGod]

Its hard to talk basketball to someone who obviously does not understand the game..

So explain to me how Nene and Side Show Bob would have changed that first half?

[hater]

So explain to me how Nene and Side Show Bob would have changed that first half?

the scrubs that let USA back in would not have come in and brazil would be leading by 10+

[MannyIsGod]

Varejao would have gotten at least a couple of flops on the US bigmen. Maybe even a technical. :lol

The US bigmen aren't even a factor. This game is completely guard dominated so far.

But hey, Kevin Love plays in the NBA so obviously the US team would be way weaker without him.

[MannyIsGod]

the scrubs that let USA back in would not have come in and brazil would be leading by 10+

Yup, Nene and Sideshow Bob would have D'd up Durant and the USA's shooters.

[hater]

Yup, Nene and Sideshow Bob would have D'd up Durant and the USA's shooters.

stop being an idiot. everyone here is trying to make u understand brazil missing their top 2 pieces makes a difference.

[hater]

By the way, Splitter sucks major ass.

and yet he is owning Odom though

[Leonard Curse]

and how many of yall were saying we would be lucky for him to be fabricio oberto?????ridiculous theres a reason hes champion over there, i still dont think hes playing his very best but like i said tiago does all those little things to help his team win. maybe now l.a fans will STFU when i say tiago>odom

[yavozerb]

So explain to me how Nene and Side Show Bob would have changed that first half?

Its not about changing the 1st half, its about changing the overall game. The game is not won or lost in the 1st half, you do realize this, right

[eric365]

just stop it. You making a complete ass out of yourself.

+1000000

[MannyIsGod]

stop being an idiot. everyone here is trying to make u understand brazil missing their top 2 pieces makes a difference.

Yes, Brazil's guards would have shot even better if they had Nene in there.

If the great Nene and Sideshow Bob were in this game Brazil would be up by 30, IMO.

[Leonard Curse]

it could be odom is sucking purely because hes wearing a headband! that thing should be against team u.s.a dress code

[Zelophehad]

Manny is right, Nene would never be able to score around the basket better than JP Batista. Especially against the interior force known as Lamar Odom.

[MannyIsGod]

Its not about changing the 1st half, its about changing the overall game. The game is not won or lost in the 1st half, you do realize this, right

I realize that Brazilian Wilt Chamberlin is missing and is the only thing keeping the US in the game. If the US is lucky enough to win this game it will only be because of those injuries.

[EduRiker]

Imagine what if Varejao and/or Nene could replace JP Batista.

[MannyIsGod]

Manny is right, Nene would never be able to score around the basket better than JP Batista. Especially against the interior force known as Lamar Odom.

Brazil is having a tough tough time scoring without the inside dominator known as Nene.

[Reeko_Htown]

Scola's got 21 in the first half....

[Nathan89]

4nine-people-0n-this-page:wow:wow

[Zelophehad]

Brazil is having a tough tough time scoring without the inside dominator known as Nene.

JP Batista.

[Leonard Curse]

hey lakaluva what in the hell happened to your boy lamars game, im serious its like he cant play all of a sudden well if anyone should be resting it should be lamar not labra and wade L.O had a shit load of post season play

[BOHOLANO#21]

SPLITTER rocks!!i love wearing my splitter brazil jersey on opening night in at&t ctr......can't wait...

[eric365]

Yes, Brazil's guards would have shot even better if they had Nene in there.

If the great Nene and Sideshow Bob were in this game Brazil would be up by 30, IMO.

Even if you don't play them together (and eveyone would play 2 good big against the weak US frontcourt) it would help during the 5 minutes when Splitter was on the bench

It would help to have always a fresh big and not a Splitter with 35+ minutes

It would also help Splitter to play harder without thinking about his 2 PFs.

[hater]

hey lakaluva what in the hell happened to your boy lamars game, im serious its like he cant play all of a sudden well if anyone should be resting it should be lamar not labra and wade L.O had a shit load of post season play

for lamar, it's either playing ball or fucking that cow

[ace3g]

JMcDonald_SAEN

In other FIBA news, Aussie team guided by #spurs assistant Brett Brown won big over Germany earlier today. Boomers 2-1 so far.

http://espn.go.com/extra/fiba/boxscore?gameId=300832924

[Booharv]

I'm shocked team USA is down considering Brazil isn't even at full strength.

[PDXSpursFan]

Lamar Odumb sucking cock.

[hater]

chandler 0 minutes

:lol mavfans

[hater]

SI Blog:

Third quarter, 10:00: My first look at Tiago Splitter has me really impressed. At 6-foot-11, he handles the ball like a small forward and plays like a center. So far, he has nine points, three rebounds and three assists. He's going to be a hit in San Antonio this fall.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/08/30/us.brazil.blog/#ixzz0y7SAoW9V

[ace3g]

lol at Laker fans already scared from watching a WC game

[hater]

:lol Odom

[ace3g]

and Splitter forces a charge on Odom!!!

[AlleyOopNazi]

I'm giddy like I was when we drafted Blair. Because I am imagining pick and roll with Manu and Splitter and Blair. Lets hope our shooters can make a consistent open shot this year, looking at Bonner, Jefferson, Neal.

[ElNono]

Splitter in foul trouble... where are Nene and Sideshow Bob?

[blkroadrunners]

Nice shot by Splitter.

[ace3g]

lol, another post up on Odom, and Splitter scores again!!!

[ace3g]

and a steal by Splitter

[SpursTillTheEnd]

lmao splitter is killing lamar odom and now hes about to kill chandler

[ace3g]

and over the back on Odom over Splitter!!!

[rayray2k8]

Wow, Odom is a really dumb player.. Surprised he hasn't dribbled the ball in from out of bounds yet.

[Zelophehad]

:lmao Barbosa.

[Spurologist]

:lol

WTF kind of wind up shot was that by Garcia

:lmao

[ace3g]

I never remember Garcia's shot being so funky

[ElNono]

Too easy for team USA now

[ElNono]

:lol

WTF kind of wind up shot was that by Garcia

:lmao

That's a Marion-quality release...

[Juanobili]

Expect a big loss to Chicago this season lol

[blkroadrunners]

Splitter in foul trouble... where are Nene and Sideshow Bob?

Both injured. However, Varejao's suited up.

[rayray2k8]

Expect a big loss to Chicago this season lol

That team has had our number for a while... Bucks use to be that team back then.

[hater]

Third quarter, 6:50: Splitter takes Odom in the post and scores on a jump hook. Odom simply isn't a good enough post defender to guard the Brazilian big man.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/08/30/us.brazil.blog/#ixzz0y7UIndR7

[ElNono]

You have to hand it to both Magnano and Coach K though... Magnano always knows what hurts team USA, and coach K knows how to adjust on the fly...

[Halberto]

I knew Splitter was good but I always had my doubts because he didn't see enough action against NBA teams. After seeing three quarters of this game I can see him averaging about 12 ppg for us.

Spurs flying under the radar again.... I love it.

[ElNono]

Brazil cold from downtown... not gonna win if they don't shoot lights out...

[Nathan89]

if-durant-was-k0be-1aka1uwa-w0u1d-suk-him-0ff

[Spurologist]

if Iguodala could shoot, he'd be a top 10 nba player

[ace3g]

Splitter forces a foul on Chandler

[hater]

time for brazilian scrubs to come in and USA to go up by 15

what about Nene and Sideshow Bob?

[ElNono]

This is where Magnano needs a Ginobili pulling out a 4 point play...

[MannyIsGod]

Brazil cold from downtown... not gonna win if they don't shoot lights out...

Only because Nene isn't there.

[ace3g]

Brazil finally hits a 3

[MannyIsGod]

time for brazilian scrubs to come in and USA to go up by 15

what about Nene and Sideshow Bob?

Brazil would be doubling up the USA with them, obviously.

[blkroadrunners]

Billups taking over.

[ace3g]

Machado is heating up; who they just said scored 63 in a game before

[ElNono]

Only because Nene isn't there.

Meh.. Brazil was killing team USA with pick and rolls in the first half... Nene and Varejao could have finished that too and kept Splitter fresh and not in foul trouble...

[Spurologist]

that's not a travel

[ace3g]

Odom back in, time for Splitter to dominate

[ace3g]

big travel/carry by Odom there, lol

[MannyIsGod]

Meh.. Brazil was killing team USA with pick and rolls in the first half... Nene and Varejao could have finished that too and kept Splitter fresh and not in foul trouble...

I'm sorry but LOL @ the thought of either Nene or Varejao being even a quarter as good as Splitter on a PnR.

[Spurologist]

:lmao

Odom doing AND1 basketball and no call

[ace3g]

Splitter picks up his 4th foul on a iffy charge call

[DrSteffo]

hmm 4th on Splitter....bad

[bbarry]

Odom travel.
Odom flop.
Tiago to bench in foul trouble

[hater]

Brazil would be doubling up the USA with them, obviously.

Splitter 4 fouls and dead tired. Yeah, Nene and Sideshow bob would have been irrelevant

[Zelophehad]

Splitter with four. Brazil really could use Nene here.

[4>0rings]

Only way Odom can defend Splitter. Get him in foul trouble by flopping lol.

[ElNono]

I'm sorry but LOL @ the thought of either Nene or Varejao being even a quarter as good as Splitter on a PnR.

They can finish... and don't underestimate the fact that Splitter is not going to try to block shots anymore because he's in foul trouble...

Depth matters Manny...

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah, with Nene in there he'd fucking dominate the way he does in the NBA.

[ace3g]

ESPN needs to fix their game clock , not showing right now

[hater]

Yeah, with Nene in there he'd fucking dominate the way he does in the NBA.

JP Batista

[ElNono]

Yeah, with Nene in there he'd fucking dominate the way he does in the NBA.

Maybe with Nene, Thiago wouldn't be in foul trouble and dead tired...

[MannyIsGod]

They can finish... and don't underestimate the fact that Splitter is not going to try to block shots anymore because he's in foul trouble...

Depth matters Manny...

No shit depth matters - doesn't matter nearly as much as Brazil's guards hitting every 3 they take. Nene wasn't going to make Brazil win this game but their guards not missing was.

People should really go back to look at my first post on the matter.

[Zelophehad]

Nene is a top 6-8 center in the NBA, meanwhile the guy Brazil has in there is barely a Wikipedia entry. If that.

[MannyIsGod]

Maybe with Nene, Thiago wouldn't be in foul trouble and dead tired...

Maybe with Nene they would run an offense through him and their guards woudl never have gone off. Maybe with Nene Lamar Odom woudln't be the best player for Brazil on the court.

[rayray2k8]

Wow, I didn't know Splitter had 4 steals. :wow

[hater]

Nene is a top 6-8 center in the NBA, meanwhile the guy Brazil has in there is barely a Wikipedia entry. If that.

irrelevant, because Brazil guards shoot shots

[Booharv]

:lmao Just admit you were wrong Manny. Stop being so stubborn.

[ElNono]

No shit depth matters - doesn't matter nearly as much as Brazil's guards hitting every 3 they take. Nene wasn't going to make Brazil win this game but their guards not missing was.

People should really go back to look at my first post on the matter.

It matters from a defensive standpoint.. if you're not hitting 3's then you have to defend the rim, especially against an over-the-top athletic team like Team USA. Who's going to block shots in Brazil outside Splitter?

Nene can do that, and Varejao, while not a shot blocker, is a pesky defender.

Don't get it wrong. Brazil needs everything going right, including having their best players available to beat this Team USA.

[cd98]

Enough on the "Splitter" tired excuse. He's having a good game, why belittle it by making him sound like he's out of shape.

P.S. Durant is playing as many minutes as Splitter.

[noob cake]

Splitter looks better than I thought....I originally thought Spurs fans are only on his dick because Spurs owns his rights. He is pretty legit.

[MannyIsGod]

irrelevant, because Brazil guards shoot shots

Nene would magically dominate the game without taking possesions away from anyone else. Thats just how good the Brazilian Wilt is.

[cd98]

Enough whinning about missing Nene and Side Show. Team USA had several bigs that were injured. That's why they were forced to go with Odom and Chandler. Don't you think we have a few better big guys in the USA?

Let Brazil stand on its performance and don't belittle their competitive game by making excuses if they lose.

[DrSteffo]

Splitter has been legit the last 5 years

[MannyIsGod]

It matters from a defensive standpoint.. if you're not hitting 3's then you have to defend the rim, especially against an over-the-top athletic team like Team USA. Who's going to block shots in Brazil outside Splitter?

Nene can do that, and Varejao, while not a shot blocker, is a pesky defender.

Don't get it wrong. Brazil needs everything going right, including having their best players available to beat this Team USA.

If their guards had kept playing on the level they did in the first half, they would still be winning this game with or without Nene. Thats the point that I made in my initial post before everyone went all OMG NBA PLAYERS.

[TimmehC]

Does the USA really have 30+ turnovers?

[ElNono]

This just shows how good Magnano is, IMO... a fairly similar Brazilian team didn't even make it to the knockout stage in the last World Cup...

[rayray2k8]

Clock issues? I see women trying to fix it.. That might be a reason.

[ElNono]

If their guards had kept playing on the level they did in the first half, they would still be winning this game with or without Nene.

Maybe. But in basketball averages eventually catch up with you. You gotta hand it to Brazil that they've kept this game this close when their shooting eventually went cold.

[PDXSpursFan]

Clock issues??? Maybe Stern trying to fix the game????

[ElNono]

Damn... this is lame

[ElNono]

Tiago and Varajeo are much better than they were 4 years ago. Tiago is a lot better.

True. But you can also see they're much more disciplined now. They know what they're running, execution is day and night, and the defense is improved too.

[eric365]

If their guards had kept playing on the level they did in the first half, they would still be winning this game with or without Nene. Thats the point that I made in my initial post before everyone went all OMG NBA PLAYERS.

Yes because it's not the good big that give open look to the guards :rolleyes

When Splitter is not there they take contested shoot instead of open looks.
Nene in backup of Splitter would have helped the 3pt %

[ace3g]

I guess they will let Splitter rest for about 4 minutes

[ElNono]

Chauncey bricking the shots he's supposed to brick... no surprises there...

[Texas_Ranger]

Wow... Those American individual plays are really great.

[Zelophehad]

Nene would magically dominate the game without taking possesions away from anyone else. Thats just how good the Brazilian Wilt is.

http://crackthecode.us/images/straw-man.jpg

[ace3g]

3 by Vinicius

[hater]

USA completely flat after the long break

[rayray2k8]

Good game yo. :corn:

[ElNono]

Odom starting to dominate LOL

[hater]

:lmao Odom

[lebomb]

Looks like Durant will have to carry the US, in order to win the gold IMHO. Brasil has balanced scoring............USA? Not so much.

[bbarry]

hahahahahaha odom flopping to the ground fortunately gave him two points.

[ace3g]

Odom lazy ass got luck there, couldn't even get down the court so was already down there for the pass and basket

[Juanobili]

what a fucking basket by Rose

[ElNono]

Rose is a bad boy

[rayray2k8]

I'm guessing Splitter will be coming in after this break.

[balli]

Clutch finish by Rose.

[Nathan89]

put-tiag0-in

[MannyIsGod]

USA team has looked tired this entire game. 3 games in 3 days is really harsh.

[Spurologist]

Fraschilla just got an orgasmic reaction

[Amarelooms]

Sons Chandler = Splitter stopper

God bless

:elephant

[MannyIsGod]

And LOL @ Slovenians on here living vicariously through a team that can actually hit 3s.

[ace3g]

Tiago back in

[ElNono]

Both teams sloppy now

[Spurologist]

:lmao Billups
:lmao Barbosa

[ElNono]

I think they're both tired...

[hater]

barbosa chokin when it matters as usual

[blkroadrunners]

Sons Chandler = Splitter stopper

God bless

:elephant

How many minutes Tyson played so far?

[MannyIsGod]

I think they're both tired...

No one on that court has any gas. You're seeing jump shots blocked now.

[balli]

Does anybody have a rough estimate of how much of this quarter is left? I got some shit I gotta do.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Someitmes it amazes me Barbosa ever made it to the NBA. His shot selection is beyond atrocious

[rayray2k8]

Sons Chandler = Splitter stopper

God bless

:elephant

I'll take that as a compliment to Splitter....

[ElNono]

No one on that court has any gas. You're seeing jump shots blocked now.

Yeah, and that Barbosa three had no legs in it...

[SpursTillTheEnd]

odom is a hoe ass nigga did yall see his bitch ass try and push splitter, and barbosa sucks why does he shoot so much

[rayray2k8]

Speaking about Splitter, I can see that he will drive spurs fans crazy with this lazy passing...
God I hope Pop and company fix that..

[ElNono]

TBH, I hope they face each other again in the semis or so, more rested...

[DrSteffo]

yeahhh they shd get it inside to Tiago

[blkroadrunners]

Tough shot by Splitter.

[ace3g]

woo Splitter hook shot!!!

[bbarry]

Does anybody have a rough estimate of how much of this quarter is left? I got some shit I gotta do.

4:57 about 15 seconds ago.

[ace3g]

oh and the minutes Chandler was in there, Splitter drew 2 fouls on him

[MannyIsGod]

Lamar Odom is by far the best player for whoever the US is facing.

[ace3g]

Splitter forces Odom to step out of bounds!!!

[ElNono]

lol odumb

[hater]

:lol Odom

how much time is left?

[Spurologist]

Odom with championship clutchness

[bbarry]

Splitter forces Odom to step out of bounds!!!

I think that would be a foul in the NBA, or very close to being one.

[ElNono]

Barbosa has to be the worst defender ever... And Brazil can't have Rose driving... he can just score at will...

[Spurologist]

fiba.com

3:50 left

[MannyIsGod]

There have been some terrible charges called in this game.

[ace3g]

Splitter almost had a nice lefty lay up there

[Hooks]

Damn it, I hate these stupid ass camera angles! I can never tell if the shot is going in.

[rayray2k8]

If the shot don't drop then its time to flop.. :lol

[ace3g]

Splitter forces a travel on Durant, we have a durant stopper, lol

[Zelophehad]

Wow Durant.

[ace3g]

Splitter left his feet to early on that one, nice block by Durant

[MannyIsGod]

Jesus Christ...Odom.

[Zelophehad]

:lmao Odom, that was point blank.

[ElNono]

That's what I'm afraid about Splitter... he's going to get a lot of his shit blocked in the NBA

[Spurologist]

:lmao Barbosa is the man

[noob cake]

Barbosa is garbage. No lies

[rayray2k8]

Wow, Barbosa fucking sucks.. Guess the suns won't miss this idiot after all.

[ElNono]

Barbosa choking up a storm.... (as usual)