Team USA coasts past Iran in a 54-point win to gain momentum in Tokyo.
Despite blowing a late lead in an upset loss to France, the United States Men’s National Team is still favored to win the gold this summer. Coming off an upset loss to France, the U.S could not afford another loss in Tokyo in the second game of the group stage, answering back and coasting past Iran 120–66 in a 54-point blow out. Team USA came out hot from tip-off, shooting 5 for 8 from three to start the game and a quick 9 points from point guard Damian Lillard, leading to a 30 point lead at the half.
Team USA completely turned things around from the field tonight from Monday's struggles, shooting a whopping 48.7% from downtown (19–39) and over 50% overall going 42–76 (55.3) from the floor. Defensively Team USA was able to shut things down and make shots difficult for Iran, forcing them to shoot 37% overall from the field and commit 23 total turnovers compared to the States 6.
Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard led the way for Team USA, scoring a game-high 21 points in tonight’s victory. Lillard bounced back from a 3 for 11 shooting night in the loss to France, answering in tonight’s win going 7 for 13 (53.8) from deep and 7 for 15 (46.6%) overall.
Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker was able to finish second in scoring for Team USA, ending the night with 16 points on a solid 6 for 9 shooting from the field goal.
Team USA’s captain and Nets Star Kevin Durant was able to finish tonight just 6 points shy of passing Carmelo Anthony in the all-time scoring in the Olympics for the Men’s National Team, finishing with a solid 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the victory. Durant will have this Saturday to surpass that feat against the Czech Republic.
Tonight’s 54 point victory over Iran puts Team USA in second place on the group stage with a 1–1 record just behind France, with the U.S set to face the Czech Republic on Saturday. The Men’s National Team can not afford to lose going forward, as their margin for error is thinner from that opening loss to France to chase the gold.