Team USA

Al Michaels Listens To Shatner's Rendition Of "Miracle On Ice"

CHN — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:01:00 -0400

I think it was about a year ago when Dan Patrick had William Shatner on and made him recreate some of the most famous Sports calls ever. Well one of the ones he did that day was Al Michaels' "Miracle On Ice" call and Michaels just happened to be the DP Show today and of course Dan just happened to have the clip handy. Here's what went down....

Too funny. In fact I think William Shatner should put out a full length CD of the calls. I'd buy it.

Dan Patrick Interviews (SI)

Olympics: Team USA Wins Gold

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:30:41 -0400

Team USA defeated Spain in the Olympic Gold Medal Game on Sunday by the score of 118-107. With the victory, the U.S. completed an 8-0 sweep of its competition in Beijing and more importantly accomplished the "Redeem Team" mission of bringing gold back home to the United States.

Spain got off to a good start, taking a 22-17 lead after just six minutes. While Team USA looked to be pulling away into the second quarter, the Spanish remained in the game deep into the fourth. Spain began the 4th period with a 7-0 run, cutting the lead to just two points. But Kobe Bryant answered with 2 of his 13 4th quarter points to get the Americans back on track. With USA leading by just 4 with 7:30 left, Deron Williams hit a big three to extend the lead to 7 points. Spain made another late push, but with Team USA leading 108-104 with 2:37 left, Dwyane Wade hit another clutch three that sealed the victory.

Wade led all scorers with 27 points, including 4 of 7 from downtown. Overall, Team USA hit an impressive 13 of 28 threes. Rudy Fernandez (recently acquired by the Portland Trailblazers) led Spain with 22 points, despite being limited to 17 minutes due to foul trouble.

Breaking: NBC Shafts The West Coast (And Midwest) Once Again

CHN — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:38:00 -0400

Right at about 10:20am eastern standard time, I got about seven or eight emails asking me what channel the USA-Argentina game was on. I replied that it should be on both the HD Basketball channel and NBC. A few more messages trickled in and I immediately knew what had happened.

NBC has once again decided to not air an event live anywhere but the East Coast and the rest of the Country has to sit through three hours of the Today Show before getting to watch the game.

NBC has already started to receive praise from major media outlets (of course on the East Coast) for their coverage of the Game, but I really wish that some of the bigger papers rethink their position. Just because they covered Michael Phelps for five or six days, and he broke a record, is no reason to ignore everything else. If anyone from the West Coast wants to chime in, I'll add your comments below. We know NBC is reading now, don't we?

Via BF- "Once again NBC decides to fuck more then half the nation in the ass by not televising the USA vs Argentina basketball game live to anyone except the EST. You know the Today Show is so damn important. God, does NBC suck!"

Via JT- "I cannot believe they did this again, and without warning."

Via JS- "Unfreakingbelievable."

illini81887- Game is going to be tape delayed here as well in the Midwest. What a freaking joke, just show it on USA or MSNBC.

Mike- I'm in Chicago and it's tape delayed as well. Just appalling.

KB- I'm in Chicago. I'm so sick of NBC's crap coverage, I hate to say it, but it might be a plus if ABC/ESPN took over the coverage. Per NBC "We are just about ready for the Tip Off of the Argentina/Redeem Team game". What crap.

Tyler- I just read over on Sports Media Watch that Denver (mountain time zone) has had the highest Olympic ratings of any of the major US cities. Imagine what those ratings would be if NBC would show those of us in the west some live (actually live--not just "was live EDT"). In this day and age and with the amount of money they are spending on these Olympics, there is no excuse to not show major events live in all time zones.

Brent- This is such a joke. I'm at work anyway, but the game should be available to those who want it. NBC has seriously dropped the ball here, and has really decided to screw half a continent. I just don't get it.
_____________________

P.S.- Man, I feel so bad for everyone. I'm not going to do a live-blog or provide any updates so you people that want to watch it live can. Keep the emails and comments coming.

Update: I just remembered that reader Brent L. sent an email to NBC during the Phelps nonsense and thought I'd share the email addy he used....

Brian Walker- NBC Olympics spokesman in Beijing
brian.walker@nbcuni.com

NBC Prepares To Screw West Coast Viewers The Rest Of The Olympics (Awful Announcing)

Olympics: Team USA 116 - Australia 85

Press Release — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:08:25 -0400

Following a slow start, the United States quickly regrouped and rolled past Australia by the score of 116-85 in Olympic quarterfinal action Wednesday night in Beijing. Team USA improves to 6-0 with the win and more importantly advances to Friday's semifinal round.

Deron Williams (Illinois) hit a big 3-pointer to close out the first half, putting the United States up by 12 and providing a momentum lift that the U.S. carried over into the second half when the squad quickly put Australia away for good with a 14-0 run to start the third quarter. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 25 points, including 4 of 7 from three.

Patrick Mills (Saint Mary's) led Australia with 20 points.

Team USA will play reigning Olympic champion Argentina in the semifinals Friday at 9:15 a.m. Central Time. This will be a rematch of the 2004 semifinal in Athens that saw Argentina defeat the U.S. In the other semifinal, Spain takes on Lithuania.

USA-Australia Open Thread

CHN — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:11:00 -0400

USA-Live Blog

CHN — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:11:00 -0400

Why not a pseudo little live-blog this morning? If anyone's around feel free to comment and I'll follow with some videos following the contest.

8:15- Close game early on. The U.S. leads by only three halfway through the first. Howard is settling in down low (Bogut has two fouls) but Australia is nailing their threes.

20-17 with 2:50 left in the first. There's been a couple of shots by the Aussies early as well. Something to keep in mind.

"Stop being stupid. You're making dumb plays"- Coach K via Craig Sager

2:20- Australia's point guard, Patty Mills (St. Marys) is giving Team USA's guards some problems early and it might be time to bring in Chris Paul. We were tied, but Anthony hit a three to give "Redeem" the lead back

24-21 (under a minute left in the first)

2:24- The U.S. is 4-11 from the FT line early as well. Mills hits a beautful running layup and gets fouled, but misses the free throw. Paul drives and is hammered at the buzzer....no call.

25-24 U.S. at the end of one

8:28- We start the second quarter with an obligatory Michael Phelps story from Sager and Wade completes a three-point play. Bogut looks terrible by the way. Australia is still bumping and it's about time to start hitting back.

30-26 with 9 minutes left

8:33- Patrick Mills again! He takes it right at Chris Bosh for two. Bosh misses another throw and the U.S. is shooting somewhere in the teens from the line. Wade to James....Slam! Bogut finally scores but Kobe follows on the other end with a dunk. Kobe again with a behind the back fake and a layup.

37-30 USA with 6:30 left in the second

8:39- Bogut with an and one and I'm thinking that I shouldn't have called him out. Doug Collins tells us that USA has 10 offensive rebounds and I thank him for the stat. James gets a layup and was fouled but no call. Lead is nine and Bogut dribble off of his fat thigh out of bounds. Layup for Newley of AUS and the lead is seven. Kobe misses a three and Anderson hits for the Aussies. James and one!

"Pure strength and power for Lebron James."- Mike Breen

Bron misses and Anthony is hammered. Here we go! Some pushing and shoving after the play between Worthington and Howard.

45-36 USA with 4 minutes left in the second

8:44- AUS gets a couple of throws, but Kobe gets another and one as he blew past Mills....ANOTHER MISSED FREE THROW! Good lord. James misses a three. Eight point lead. Prince with a steal and Lebron again...he can't be stopped down low today (or tonight). Under two to go. Newly drafted Houston Rocket, Mike Newley hits a three. Another U.S. miss but Mills misses a three.

50-43 U.S. under a minute to go

8:47- Aww...a great shot of Chris Collins in the stands. Doug swoons. Kobe with a fadeaway, Newley misses a three and AT THE BUZZER!!!!!!! GOOD! Deron Williams with a three. Whew.

55-43 USA at the half

9:05- Second half is underway and Kobe starts it with a three. That's good because the U.S. is 10-20 from the line. Melo for three! Here comes the run. Lebron with the steal! Dives out of bounds!!! Bryant to the line. Now that's the hustle we need.

62-43 U.S.

9:09- Jason Kidd with a layup and Mike Breen says they're pulling away. Way to jinx it Mike. Or not....Kobe and one.

"Kobe has just played for a minute and a half."- Mike Breen

Pretty sure you meant sat Mike....okay, he corrected himself. Nielsen gives Carmelo a shot in the chest and Australia still hasn't scored. 26 point lead as Kobe hits another three. A 14-0 run to start the quarter.

69-43 with 6 minutes left.

9:14- Mills hits a three and he's looked awfully good today/tonight. He's their backup point guard too. Lebron and one....it's officially a blowout.

"This is the Lebron we don't see much in Cleveland."- Doug Collins

Amen Doug. Amen. (Bill) Worthington with a dunk on a follow for Australia and I wasn't aware anyone on the team could dunk. We sure as hell know Bogut can't. And right on cue, Bogut is shown icing his knees and is done for the night. James with the no look to Bosh....SLAM!

73-50 USA

9:17- Dwyane Wade banks in a three from the corner and I'm going to call this one over myself at this point. The lead is 30 with 2 minutes left in the third.

"Did I see that he scored 37 in his first game in College?"- Doug Collins on Patrick Mills

It was his fourth game, but great recall there Dougie Fresh. Seville hits a three for AUS but Prince answers on the other end.

85-55 with 1:30 left in the third

9:22- Seville with a four point play and he jaws with Wade. Again....Mills with the drive. Oop to Prince and then Bosh swats a three attempt out of bounds.

That's the end of the third. U.S. won that quarter 34-18 and they lead 89-61.

9:30- The fourth starts rather slow but Deron Williams finishes a nice layup. Kobe hits one from the Water Cube and the lead is 31. AND KOBE AGAIN! He's got 25. This Ingles kid for Australia is pretty good. Only 20 years old and he adds a dunk and three to his Olympic resume.

101-70 with 6 minutes left

9:35- Ingles with another three. Outside of the guy Marlowe with the blond faux-hawk....he's my favorite player. AND AGAIN FOR INGLES!!! Redd hits a three. I'm also a big fan of Australia's yellow lowtops. Sporty.

106-78 with 4 minutes left

USA-Australia Live Blog

CHN — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:11:00 -0400

Olympics: How to Beat Team USA (or Die Trying)

Hoopsworld — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:12:07 -0400

By: Mike Moreau

If opponents keep turning the ball over and Team USA makes perimeter shots, no team in these Olympics - or on the planet for that matter - can beat them. Team USA is getting better with each game as opponents get tougher – a truly scary combination. This team is a juggernaut and clearly the best team in the world.

But, not until they win the gold medal.

This team has some weaknesses and can be beaten. But, it will take great execution and shot making by an opponent, coupled with defensive breakdowns, poor decision making and dreadful shooting on the part of Team USA.

That may be an impossible combination for the rest of the world to put together. All of the X's, O's and game planning in the world won't do any good if Team USA is on their game.

But, in an attempt to create this scenario, opponents' game plans might look something like this:

OFFENSIVE KEYS TO BEATING TEAM USA

The strength of Team USA's swarming defense is ball pressure and denial of passing lanes. This is where athleticism, quickness and anticipation can be best utilized, and this is where the turnovers and easy baskets are occurring. To limit these mistakes, look for opponents to:

Play with more two guard fronts and use the high post as a pressure release to reverse the ball. This keeps the ball moving quicker on the pass so defenders have to adjust, preventing them from just locking in on pressure and denial. It also draws center Dwight Howard away from the basket, opening driving lanes and backdoor cutting areas.
Initiate more backscreen action. This is the screen NBA players see the least. If the defense plays straight, it is a good way for the screener to get an open three-point shot. And with Team USA switching many screens, this also allows the screener to slip to the basket for an easy score.
Run more "screen the screener" action on the perimeter and in the post. This catches Team USA in the middle of a switch and can cause momentary confusion. Spain had good success with this when they weren't throwing the ball all over the gym.
Isolate the point guard on the switch. When point guards Chris Paul or Deron Williams switches onto a bigger man, take advantage by posting that man on the smaller guy. Bury him and make him pay.
In high ballscreen action, skip the screener and make the pass to the shooter in the corner, whose man is cheating to the roll man. Greece did this very well. This guy is open and must make a high percentage.
Also in high ballscreen action, flatten the other three offensive players on the baseline. This creates space in the middle, allowing shooters to roll to the top on the help rotation. Spain had success with this as well. It's there but again, the shots must get knocked down.
Don't concede the rebound. This is a double-edged sword since attacking the offensive glass leaves fewer defenders back in transition. However, offensive rebounds lead to lay-ups and free throws, and could keep Team USA from breaking out early.

DEFENSIVE KEYS TO BEATING TEAM USA

The easy baskets after turnovers allow Team USA to turn close games into blowouts; they may be the best transition team in the history of basketball. Opponents must make this a slower, halfcourt game. To force this pace, look for opponents to:

Sprint back to the rim in transition. Don't get caught trying to match up outside or stop the ball between the circles. Spanish center Marc Gasol digging in and trying to stop Chris Paul at halfcourt was comical. Australia did the best job of getting back and protecting the paint.
Sag and play ridiculously soft defense on the perimeter. Lay off so much that you just beg Team USA to shoot jump shots. Just keep backing up - all jump shots, all the time.
Play combination defenses – Triangle and Two, Diamond and One, changing from man to zone every possession, etc. You can't play them straight up – they are in a groove against both man and zones. You have to do it with smoke and mirrors, anything to create hesitation or give them pause.
Foul hard at the rim. You dunk, you go down. Simple as that. It might start an international incident, but there will be no highlight reel dunks. This can also get Team USA caught up in physical play, officiating, and create a distraction to get them out of their rhythm. Get in their heads by making it more of a fight and less of a game.

Every opponent of Team USA up to this point has tried some combination of all of these and had limited success. Can any of these teams put together an intricate game plan like this in a couple of days, execute it to perfection, shoot a high percentage and force Team USA into it's worst performance of the Olympics?

Not likely. But the medal round is one and done – back-to-back-to-back Game 7's. Anything can happen.

What is most likely to happen? More of the same for the rest of the world, and a gold medal for Team USA.

Olympics: Team USA 106 - Germany 57

Press Release — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:23:14 -0400

Team USA concluded its perfect run through Preliminary Play with its most dominating Olympic performance to date, throttling Germany by the score of 106-57 Monday night in Beijing. With the victory, the U.S. wrapped up prelims with a perfect 5-0 mark in Group B and has the top record entering the single-elimination medal round.

Dwight Howard led all scorers with 22 points and 10 rebounds while LeBron James added 18. Dirk Nowitzki led Germany with 14 points in 23 minutes.

Up next for the United States is the medal round, which begins on Wednesday. The U.S. will face Australia in quarterfinal action while Greece takes on Argentina, Spain goes up against Croatia and China plays Lithuania.

Poll: Who is the Best Player on Team USA?

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:44:40 -0400