Team USA improved to 2-0 in their five-game exhibition tour prior to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Coach K's team pulled out an 80-69 victory at Verizon Center in downtown DC. It was their final tune-up on American soil, with the team now heading across the pond to continue their exhibition play against Great Britain.
It was a much stiffer test on Monday night compared to the walk-through against the Dominican Republic in Las Vegas. Team USA was particularly sloppy on the offensive end to start the game, and compounded missed shots with turnovers as Brazil jumped out to a ten point lead. Due to several injuries, Team USA is relatively thin up front and Brazil has one of the better frontcourts in international basketball with NBA players Nene, Tiago Splitter, and Anderson Varejao all anchoring the paint. The Wizards' big man, Nene, played well in the middle and battled Tyson Chandler.
But Team USA would overcome the slow start to maintain a lead throughout the second half. Brazil went on an 8-2 run to cut it to just six with under six minutes to go but the American talent was too much and closed out the double-digit victory. LeBron James, who will be forced to play some center on the smaller roster, led the way with 30 points and six rebounds. DC native and reigning NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant scored 11 points while Chris Paul added 10.
Team USA will now play Great Britain at Manchester Arena in three days on the July 19.
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