The USA men's basketball team made their debut on Thursday night with a rout of the Dominican Republic in an exhibition game in Las Vegas. Team USA cruised in the second half to a 113-59 win as they pulled away in a laugher against the overmatched DR. There were an array of highlights for Team USA as they pushed the pace and set the transition style that they hope to play throughout the month.
Miami's LeBron James was obviously a key part of that transition game, as the world's best player will once again serve as a facilitator for all the talent around him. James played significant time at center with so many frontline players injured and Tyson Chandler in foul trouble, but he also had the ball in his hands and consistently kicked out to the sharpshooters at the arc. Kevin Durant was one of the scorers who James consistently found. The NBA's leading scorer started the game hot from outside, hitting five three-pointers. He led the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Andre Iguodala added 18 points on four of six from behind the arc.
James and Team USA will play their next exhibition on Monday night in a mens-women's doubleheader against Brazil. The men will play second game at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and Brazil should present a significantly greater challenge than the Dominicans, with NBA players Nene and Anderson Varejao anchoring the post.
Stick with SB Nation Tampa Bay as LeBron James and Team USA make their drive for a second straight gold medal.