The Americans were strong defensively, but committed 20 turnovers and scored just 33 points in the second half. Ming proved himself, but what about the US team? They were talking as much trash about being the best of the best, then taking down Ming. The olympic squad scored in the 120's against ming's team in 2000, and this team could barely get into the 80's. Was Ming the factor that these proclaimed all stars could only make 33 points in the 2nd half? They might of put the pressure on Ming (in the 2nd half), but what happen to them? Did Ming put the pressure on them? Anybody think this is the year the US looses for the first time in International Play (probably to Yugoslovia if it happens).
i DO think that they will lose this year. if not to yugoslavia, then possibly to Germany. and i'll never say never with my home team (canada, since they beat china by only 2 points less than what USA beat them by). USA is the best team in the tournament, but i do think that they will lose.
This team could easily loose. Look back at the US olympic team (2000), they were not even close to a dream team, and they nearly lost to Brazil (or whoever).
This is the least talented US team we have had since the original Dream Team but I don't think they will lose. This is a workman like club that plays intense defense and has a chip on their shoulder. As long as they're focused they will win, but if they lose focus they can and possibly will lose. I don't think the United States will lose.
They're just rusty, they havn't played any kind of regulation ball in a couple of months. Ming was great, but the US figured out that he, like many of the top stars in basketball, can be shut down with the double team. It's encouraging to know that the NBA is going to have to double team Yao to stop him, which means that Francis, Mobley, Griffin, Taylor, and Kenny will be wide open. Of course, other teams will need to double team Francis and Mobley too, which means Yao will also be open. It's gonna be a great year. As for the trash talking, they just said they were gonna welcome Ming to NBA ball. Ming proved himself and they are all saying that he's gonna be a good player. This may not be a good offensive team, but if they only scored 33 points in the second half, while keeping China to 54 for the whole game, how can they lose?
This team won't lose. They have way too much talent to lose. The only threat is Yugoslovia with Vlade and Divac. Ben Wallace and Shawn Marion won't let those two have their way with them.
LOL. My mistake. I meant Vlade Divac and Predrag Stojakovic(sp?). Why can't they have easy-to-remember names like Yao Ming? Another reason for Yao's popularity in the future and why NBA should draft more Chinese ballers.
U all have it wrong. i thought the usa already lost in the 76 (or was is 72) olympics final game. U know it's an official loss, controversial or not.
What they mean is the first US team made up of NBA players to lose. The "Dream Teams" are undefeated so far. I don't think it's far fetched that the US could lose this summer. The team is very talented, but it's more like the second or third tier of good NBA players compared to previous teams. B
That's ok, you made the same mistake as a Hall-of-Famer! Remember in 1997 when Isiah thought the Rockets would make a run because of Hakeem and Olajuwon! lol
This is how I see it...If a US team were to lose sometime in the next 8 years, this is it. But, I still could never see this team losing to any of the other teams. At this point, that team could probably beat an All-World team.
This article makes me think the US might lose. They only won a scrimmage by 3 points over a team consisting of Damon Stoudemire, Qyntel Woods, Ruben Patteron, Zach Randolph, and Freddie Jones. They are definitely vulnerable. A team of Peja, Vlade, Radmanovich, Drobnjak, and Marco Jaric is better than the Portland crew that the US almost lost against. I know its just a scrimmage but it shows the level of talent. Also I'm sure team Yugo will be playing without alot more pride than team Jailblazer + Jones. Do I think the US is going to lose? No. Do I think its out of the question? Absolutely not.
This team could lose, but that wouldn't prove that the rest of the world is catching up to us. The first couple of Dream Teams had the best players of their era. This team has Ben Wallace, Antonio Davis, and God knows what other crap. Where are the best players like Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, Tmac, Carter, etc.? You can be sure it would be a big time ass whoopin if all of those players actually cared about playing for our team.
I know some stars aren't playing, but we got some pretty good players. Most are all-stars. We got J.O'Neal, Kidd, B.Davis,A.Miller, would have had Ray Allen, have Paul Pierce, and we have the no.2 pick in the draft, Jay Williams! (jk about the last one.) I also think Brand is on the team, but I'm not sure. But I do wish we could get a REAL Dream Team. Unfortunately, it will probably have to take a loss to get that. Personally, I would love to defend my country and be crowned the best in the world. Don't know why others don't. IMO, this SHOULD be more important than the NBA, but sadly its not.
