LAS VEGAS, Aug. 29 -- The United States national team was in the midst of another dull, one-sided victory against Uruguay on Wednesday night when fans at Thomas & Mack Center decided to heckle the only member of the United States who hadn't made a contribution. Carmelo Anthony, the U.S.'s leading scorer through the first six games, sat out Wednesday because of a bruised left heel.
"'Melo, what'd you do last night?" one fan screamed.
Anthony didn't bother to respond. He just laughed. Anthony didn't have much to worry about because his best friend on the team, LeBron James, more than made up for his absence.
James got the nod at power forward, hit all 11 shots he took and set a FIBA Americas Championship record with 26 first-half points in the United States' 118-79 victory. The result improved the Americans to 7-0 and set up a highly anticipated matchup against Argentina, which remained the only other unbeaten in this tournament with an 86-79 win against Brazil.
James could have surpassed the scoring record Anthony shares with Denver Nuggets teammate Allen Iverson (28 points), but U.S. Coach Mike Krzyzewski rested him and fellow starters Kobe Bryant (13 points), Jason Kidd and Dwight Howard for the entire second half. James played just 14 minutes, but he added four assists and two steals. With eight minutes remaining, his knees were covered in ice.
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"'Melo, what'd you do last night?" one fan screamed.
Anthony didn't bother to respond. He just laughed. Anthony didn't have much to worry about because his best friend on the team, LeBron James, more than made up for his absence.
James got the nod at power forward, hit all 11 shots he took and set a FIBA Americas Championship record with 26 first-half points in the United States' 118-79 victory. The result improved the Americans to 7-0 and set up a highly anticipated matchup against Argentina, which remained the only other unbeaten in this tournament with an 86-79 win against Brazil.
James could have surpassed the scoring record Anthony shares with Denver Nuggets teammate Allen Iverson (28 points), but U.S. Coach Mike Krzyzewski rested him and fellow starters Kobe Bryant (13 points), Jason Kidd and Dwight Howard for the entire second half. James played just 14 minutes, but he added four assists and two steals. With eight minutes remaining, his knees were covered in ice.
Discuss Add this link to... Bury
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