An irresistible force met with a very moveable object and the result was a record-breaking scoring spree for the US men's basketball team over a hapless Nigeria at the Olympic Basketball Arena.
The defending champions rolled to a 156-73 victory, scoring the most points ever in an Olympic game on a mind-boggling shooting night spearheaded by Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony made 13 of his 16 shots, including an incredible 10-of-12 from beyond the three-point line for a 37-point haul.
The points total easily eclipsed the previous record of 138 set by Brazil in 1988. The US half-time total of 78 points was also an Olympic record, officials said.
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| Carmelo Anthony , Lebron James and Kobe Bryant laughing at Team Nigeria? |
"Every time that I touched it, the ball was going in as far as the zone that I was in," Anthony said.
The entire US team, given a wide berth by Nigerian defenders, enjoyed an extraordinarily accurate night of target practice as they made 71 per cent of their shots, including 29-of-46 from long range, and 30-of-37 from inside the arc.
"We shot better than any team in a game I ever coached. Our guys just couldn't miss tonight," US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
His Nigerian counterpart Ayodele Bakare could only shake his head in disbelief at the US performance. "They shot an unbelievable percentage. I felt we could have played better defensively," he lamented.
The victory improved the US to 3-0 in the preliminary round while Nigeria slipped to 1-2.
Kzyzewski bristled, however, when he was asked at the post-game news conference whether he felt his team had been cruel to humiliate an overmatched opponent.
"We didn't play LeBron (James) and Kobe (Bryant) in the second half. We benched Melo (Anthony) despite how he was playing. We didn't play (Kevin) Durant. We didn't take any fast breaks. There is a 24-second clock. The shots we took, we happened to hit," he said.
"A coach would think it humiliating if we didn't play hard. We just want to play hard and win."
Ike Diogu, who played six seasons with various NBA clubs, led Nigeria with 27 points.
"When they shoot like this, I don't think there is any team that could beat them," Diogu said.
Nigerian forward Koko Archibong said it was quite an experience being part of the game.
"On the one side, it's terrible to get whupped like that," he said. "But on the other side it was something impressive to see, to be a part of, to witness in person." Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Well done my brothers!
ReplyDeleteComparing American Government performances with its Nigerian counterpart one must give credit to our team!
Na water pass garri!!! Well, there are other games to be played. I wish the basketball team well.
ReplyDeleteWell done guys! its not over yet, u can still do something.wish u all the best.
ReplyDeletePlease, keep your government talk O! We are talking sports here not your dirty politics.
ReplyDeleteWell done guys. Proud of you. Although the game reminds me of Globetrotters.
ReplyDeleteBetter than the performance of Jonathan and his entire management team.
All d best guys
ReplyDeleteGod bless u all for ur effort.competing in d Olympics is not all about winning, u re already champions in ur own right. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWeldone guys, not over yet
ReplyDeleteWeldone guys, not over yet
ReplyDeleteDem no be mates na
ReplyDeleteGood, guyz..........You represent us well.Kudos!
ReplyDeleteOh my... this is humiliating... they used us to set an olympic record. I'm gonna change my name to Ghanaguy or smth. :-) Good luck 9ja!
ReplyDeleteNigeria has not won any medal at the London Olympics..:( ..please tell them to introduce new games like stealing public funds, bomb blasting,gossipping & kidnapping,race in Ï„̲̅Ñ’e darkness, formula1 in Ï„̲̅Ñ’e traffic jam,drinking competition(alcohol) so that we can pick Gold medals quick quick. Lol
ReplyDeletePainful, though I foresee the loss to USA but not with that margin. We will be there soon. I pray for a win in the next match. Guys u can do it.
ReplyDeleteWelldone guys! u 've really proved a point. It will get better
ReplyDeleteAnother rude awakening..... at least they got 73, but clearly no match for Team USA
ReplyDeleteScoring 73 points against Bball gaint is an easy thing oo... Kudos D'Tigers...
ReplyDeleteIts well known We are not match but we didn't shy away but face d battle n its not until its over.. Up Tigers...I respect u guys..Remain Brave
73? they tried I was not even expecting them to score that much point though i wouldn't have said it out b4 the game. i was expect 150-10. let these guy play more and they will go places.but trust you ppl notuntil nx Olympics notthing would be done to improve these guys. if America takes over these boys, sorry guys today, they will bet Nigerian team silly b4 next Olympics.
ReplyDelete