Team USA starts a matchup against China
The United States men’s national basketball team will open Olympic play Saturday evening against China. The two countries faced off twice in exhibition games, with Team USA winning both by a combined total of 99 points.
China, who beat out Iran and the Philippines for Asia’s spot in the Olympics, has never finished above eighth in Olympic play, and it’s doubtful the team ends that trend this summer. Yi Jianlian is the only member of China’s roster with NBA experience. He’s joined by Houston Rockets 2016 second-round pick Zhou Qi, who struggled in both exhibition games against Team USA.
Even without LeBron James, Chris Paul, Stephen Curry and others, Team USA looked unstoppable in its five exhibition games. Kevin Durant (15.6 points per game) led the team in scoring. His new teammate, Warriors guard Klay Thompson (14.2 points), is right behind him.
For China to have a chance of even getting within 20 points, it will need Durant, Thompson and the rest of Team USA’s roster to struggle badly from the field. It’s unlikely that happens. Just like their two exhibitions, this game should be a blowout from the start.
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