Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James Lead Team USA to Fourth Victory
Two days after defeating Nigeria by 83 points, Team USA found themselves in a close game with Lithuania.
Unlike last game, Team USA and it’s team full of NBA All-Stars couldn’t rely on three-pointers as they shot just 30.3-percent from beyond the arc. They instead relied on their defense which produced 17 steals to defeat Lithuania 99-94.
Team USA led 78-72 heading into the fourth quarter, but came out sluggish to begin the final quarter. Lithuania had a 12-4 run and led 84-82 following a Paulius Jankunas layup with 5:51 left in the game.
With the pressure mounting on Team USA, NBA MVP Lebron James put the team on his back and led a 15-4 run to lead 97-88 points with 2:13 left in the game. James had seven points during that span.
Team USA tried to control the clock for the rest of game, but had to overcome two turnovers and a missed shot by Chris Paul. Lithuania’s Linas Kleiza couldn’t capitalize though as he made just two of his next four shots with the game ending on his teammate Mantas Kalnietis’ tip-in shot.
James and Carmelo Anthony led Team USA with 20 points each while Kevin Durant finished with 16 points and Deron Williams had 12 points. Kleiza led Lithuania with 25 points Martynas Pocius had 14 points and Darius Songaila had 11 points.
The Americans led rebounds 35-33, steals 17-3 and turnovers 9-23 while making just 44.3-percent of their field goals and 61.3-percent of their free throws. Lithuania led assists 21-13 while making 58.5-percent of their field goals and 73.3-percent of their free throws.
Team USA will play their final game before quarterfinals against Argentina (3-1) on Monday August 6 at 5:15 p.m. ET on NBC. Argentina suffered their lone loss to France 71-64 earlier in tournament play while Team USA defeated France 98-71.
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