Team USA Bounces Back With 54-point Drubbing of Iran
Team USA got their Olympics on track with a 120-66 blowout victory of Iran. The US was sparked by the insertion of Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday into the starting lineup. The two had played off the bench against France, after traveling to Japan directly after the NBA Finals.
USA was led by 21 points from Damian Lillard. Following the game, Lillard said "Being in the hotel, at meals and on the practice court and just talking after that loss, we came together. It's time to start looking like Team USA."
Booker scored 16 points in his start, while Holiday's defense sparked the team from the tip. Jayson Tatum scored 14 points and Zach LaVine had 13, both off the bench, as Team USA's depth overwhelmed Iran.
Former NBA player Hamed Haddadi led Iran with 15 points and six rebounds.
Team USA closes group play on Saturday against the Czech Republic. With a win, USA will advance to the knockout stage. Given their large margin of victory over Iran, USA could advance even with another shocking loss.