Team USA defeated Venezuela in an international friendly on Friday in preparation of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The U.S. Men's National Team was able to handle Venezuela in a game featuring a strong defensive performance by both sides. Neither team performed to their full offensive-potential, with both shooting below 40% for much of the contest. Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving were the leading scorers for Team USA with 13 points apiece. Thompson's strong outside shooting, going three-for-seven from deep, was especially important in a game where the rest of the team managed just one made three-pointer. In the end, Team USA won 80-45 on the strength of a defensive effort which included eight blocks and 12 steals.
The Venezuelan team put up a significant fight against Team USA in the first quarter, posing the first real test to the team thus far in the Showcase tournament. Warriors forward Kevin Durant opened the game's scoring with a layup on the team's second possession. Thompson drained a three-pointer midway through the period, but Venezuelan guard John Cox made his first four attempts to keep his team neck-and-neck with the Americans. With under two minutes remaining in the quarter, the U.S. held a slim four point lead, and they ended the period up 20-12.
While the U.S. never reached their normal shooting form, their defense helped bury Venezuela as the game progressed. Draymond Green had a steal and a block in the contest, with the Warriors trio combining for four swipes and 25 points. The team defense was immense, limiting Team Venezuela to 23.9% shooting on the game.
Overall, the talent of the U.S. side proved to be too much for Venezuela to overcome despite the off shooting night by Team USA. Durant, Green, and Thompson all played at least 16 minutes in the game that once again saw every American player score at least once. Team USA will look to maintain their strong defensive play and find their offensive rhythm when they take on Nigeria in Houston in the next, and final, game of the showcase series on August 1st.