From Deseret News archives:

Utah Jazz: Australia can't play with U.S.

Williams sparks Redeem Team with 3 before halftime

Published: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 12:27 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
BEIJING — On a United States men's basketball team loaded with high-octane, high-wire hoops artists who are jamming and juking their way around all comers at the Beijing Olympics, it may seem strange to say that one of the smallest American backup players hitting one of the team's dozen 3-pointers provided the shot of the game in a 116-85 quarterfinal rout of Australia.

But that's just what Deron Williams did Wednesday night at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, helping to advance the undefeated Americans to Friday's semifinals to face Argentina.

And if the USA-Argentina semifinal pairing sounds familiar — well, remember it was Argentina that downed the United States in the 2004 Athens Games' semifinals en route to a gold medal, with the Americans settling for the bronze.

Against Australia, Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 25 points as one of six U.S. players to score in double figures. He was joined by LeBron James (16), Carmelo Anthony (15) and Williams and Chris Bosh, who each finished with 10 points.

Besides his point production, Williams added three rebounds, three assists and a steal. His U.S. and Utah Jazz teammate, Carlos Boozer, contributed four points and two boards.

After leading just 25-24 after the first period, the United States jumped out to double-digit margins in the second quarter, only to have the Aussies cut into their deficit just before intermission.

Story continues below
Williams took an outlet pass from Bosh with time running out, advanced the ball and hit the three to give the United States a 55-43 halftime lead. From there, Australia never threatened again.

"D-Will hits the shot at the end of the half, and we took the momentum from there and we ran away with it," Boozer said.

"It was a little momentum-builder for us," admitted Williams, saying he was unsure if he should try to drive or pull up for a shot until he keyed off his defender.

"He kept backing up, and I just rose for the 3," he said, adding that he prefers shooting rather than slicing and dicing. "Usually a jump shot is better — it's what you practice more of. If I can get my feet set, I'd rather do that any time."

Australia did most of its damage from the outside, as Patrick Mills, Glen Saville and Joe Ingles combined to hit 7 of 10 from beyond the arc, with Mills finishing with a team-high 20 points.

But adding injury to insult for the Aussies was the fact that center Andrew Bogut was hampered with two quick fouls and a first-half ankle injury that forced an early exit.

Recent comments

...that it was even discussed that Australia would be a mild...

lol... | Aug. 24, 2008 at 6:05 p.m.

Does anyone know if the Jawai kid is in the Olympics? I know he...

Jawai? | Aug. 21, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.

sho thinks Boguts injuries are a little suspect. It seems like he...

Am I the only one | Aug. 21, 2008 at 10:38 a.m.

Image
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

The U.S.'s Kobe Bryant (10) shoots over Australia's Andrew Bogut as teammate Dwight Howard positions himself for a rebound during the men's basketball quarterfinals in Beijing on Wednesday.

previousnext

Latest comments

No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...

If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...

I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...

Big games keep UHSAA coffers full

why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...

A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...

I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...

A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...

she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...

Photos: A Royal welcome home

Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

Advertisements
Advertisement