Team USA, despite the retirement of Kobe Bryant and the loss of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, proved just how good they are Friday night in Las Vegas, destroying Argentina, 111-74. Luis Scola, signed by the Nets this summer, finished with 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-5 from deep.
The Americans, with Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony all starring, showed how they intend to win their third straight gold medal in Rio de Janiero ... with dominant rebounding. Team USA out rebounded the Argentines 53-30. Cousins led the home team with 15 rebounds to go with his 14 points. It's hard to imagine any national team that's going to challenge the USA under the boards, especially with Spain's Marc Gasol declaring himself out of the Olympics.
Durant led scoring with 23 points. Anthony, seeking a record third gold medal and fourth overall, had 17 points and seven rebounds.
Scola's game suggested that he will be mostly a role player for the Nets. While he looked good hitting two three's,and displayed some of his old post moves, the 36-year-old presented few challenges to the USA big men on defense. It was his defensive deficiencies that kept him mostly on the bench during the Raptors playoff run last season. He finished with five rebounds.
Juan Pablo Vaulet, the Nets Argentine stash, did not play.