From Deseret News archives:

Canada proves no match as Wade fuels blowout

Published: Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:14 a.m. MDT
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Canada has played games already this summer, failing to reach the Olympics through a qualifying tournament in Greece earlier this month, and was sharp early. The Canadians were able to penetrate into the paint and set up their 3-point shooters, going 5-of-8 from behind the arc in the first quarter and trailing just 30-24.

The Americans tightened the defense in the second, forcing 10 turnovers and limiting the Canadians to 3-for-11 shooting and pulling away for a 61-38 lead by halftime.

"You could see it unravel very quickly," Rautins said. "One or two plays here or there, a couple of 3s, a dunk and all of a sudden the game has changed dramatically. Just tells how quick and how talented they are. You can't make any mistakes at all."

Redd was 6-of-8, all on 3-pointers. Every U.S. player scored except Kidd, who didn't attempt a shot.

"After the first 10 minutes, we just seemed — that's the first game we've played — we just seemed like we were in sync," Krzyzewski said. "We were passing the ball more and we were playing much better defense the last three quarters."

Jermaine Anderson led Canada with 18 points. Rowan Barrett and Carl English each added 11.

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Krzyzewski sent Paul and Deron Williams, expected to battle for the No. 2 point guard spot behind Jason Kidd, into the game together midway through the first quarter. Paul quickly found Anthony with an alley-oop pass for a dunk. The two point guards scored off turnovers seconds apart late in the second quarter, increasing the U.S. lead to 60-35.

Williams scored 14 points and Paul added 11 points and eight assists.

The lead ballooned into the 40s when Kidd threw a length of the court pass to Anthony, who passed it back to Chris Bosh streaking in for a dunk. Wade followed with his breakaway slam, making it 101-58.

James was hurt during a scrimmage on Tuesday. Though his ankle is feeling better, the U.S. staff preferred to rest him to avoid further swelling before the long plane flight to China this weekend.

The Americans continue their preparations in China, playing two games in Macau and two more in Shanghai before arriving in Beijing. They face the host Chinese in their opener on Aug. 10.

Recent comments

Way to go Boozer and Williams -- you are a class act!

Leonard | July 26, 2008 at 5:12 p.m.

I was at this game yesterday and I was very impressed with their...

Great Game | July 26, 2008 at 12:15 p.m.

You guys don't need to bash Dwade. He is a great player. He also has...

Dwade bashers | July 26, 2008 at 12:10 p.m.

Image
Louie Traub, Associated Press

Members of the U.S. Olympic basketball team wave to the crowd following a 120-65 win over Canada in an exhibition game in Las Vegas on Friday night.

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