Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Team USA vaporized Puerto Rico

It was the end of the line for Puerto Rico, but its squad emptied the clip by the second quarter. The last two-and-a-half frames were a bludgeoning- as if a heavyweight pummeled a rival half their size- propelling Team USA to the knockout round. 

Early, the United States committed three turnovers, and its defense malfunctioned, even after swapping all five starters for Bam Adebayo, Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis. Team USA then conceded a putback and two 3-pointers—one in transition and another against AD in drop coverage—giving Puerto Rico an eight-point lead. 

Coach Steve Kerr called a stop, summoned his troops and replaced no one. Defensively, they countered by forcing Puerto Rico into contested long jumpers and swiping passes. On offense, Edwards drained a long two over Christopher Ortiz on the left side, made a pull-up jumper inside the key and raced in a bucket from Team USA territory in the last six seconds through multiple protectors. Adebayo helped out by dunking off a pick-and-roll set with KD.  

The first quarter ended with Team USA down 25-29.

Next, the Americans recaptured the lead as Davis jammed in the open court and Durant nailed a second-chance 3-pointer from up top. An offensive bombardment followed as the group closed the half on a 33-16 spree.  

At halftime, the United States was ahead 64-45 and had six players logging at least three baskets. Its bench totaled 27 points on 59% accuracy. 

Puerto Rico’s bench had 16 first-half marks and was held to four of 16 trays. 

Subsequently, Team USA flexed its might, and Puerto Rico looked like a wounded warrior in the ring with its guard down. The most memorable moment of the quarter belonged to LeBron James. He blocked Ismael Romero’s shot in the paint, initiated the break and punched in a dunk. 

The match was already decided when the fourth quarter started. Yet, Edwards opened the sequence on a seven-point flurry, stealing the rock and finishing a windmill dunk, breaking down the left side for a layup and swishing a tray.

Team USA won 104-83. The squad registered 49% of attempts, including 28.1% from deep. 

Edwards had 26 points on 11 of 15 attempts, with three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two turnovers. The other double-digit scorers were Joel Embiid (15), Jayson Tatum (10), Durant (11), James (10) and Davis (10).

Puerto Rico’s double digit scorers were Jose Alvarado (18), Romero (12) and Aleem Ford (10).

Edwards handled the on-court interview. He was asked about the team deferring to him in the third quarter. He said, “The fact that [Durant], [James] and [Curry] were letting me put on a show, shows a lot, shows their character. They want to do anything to win the game.”

Further comment: Is Adebayo ready for 1A status?

Bam Adebayo caught the public’s attention in the previous match vs South Sudan. He supplied 18 marks on 80% shooting, with seven rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and he notably made two threes. After the game, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said the Miami Heat “need to give the keys to Bam Adebayo.”

Eventually he’ll have them. But Adebayo is not ready because he cannot create his shot like Jimmy Butler. Last season, 57.3% of Adebayo’s two-point baskets were assisted. Only 45.2% of Butler’s twos came with help. 

Adebayo’s position is a factor because big men are like wide receivers, dependent on playmakers getting them the ball. Still, he isn’t at the level of being a go-to scorer because his post moves aren’t sharp enough, and most of his baskets come from rim rolls or mid-range jumpers. 

In fact, Adebayo took 292 more jumpers than layups last year. This is noteworthy because taking more shots away from the rim makes it harder to draw contact. He attempted 5.5 free throws nightly. The 2023-24 campaign was a down one for Butler, and he still hoisted 7.7 freebies per contest. 

Someday, #13 will be the top dog on offense, but he’s still a bit away. 

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