Team USA propelled to big victory over Brazil with help from Lakers’ Bryant

Team USA is off to a promising start, winning its first two games in the FIBA Americas tournament against Venezuela and most recently Brazil. Lakers’ point guard Kobe Bryant helped propel the team to a 112-76 victory Sunday night, helping US clinch the top spot within its group, according to an Aug. 26 Associated Press article on Topix.net. Bryant, who scored 20 points, was a big contributor alongside LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) both with 21 points. Brazil’s Leonardo Barbosa, a point guard for the NBA Phoenix Suns who has been averaging 27 points per game, was blocked repeatedly by Bryant, whose performance was key to Team USA’s win over Brazil - a team that gave the U.S. a run for its money last year during a championship exhibition game. “Brazil is one of the best international teams and they had a terrific game plan but our defense in the second and third quarters was at the highest level it’s been in this tournament,” Team USA coach Michael Krzyzewski said in the AP story.

Bryant, who aggressively defended against Barbosa’s shots and only allowing the guard four points during the first quarter, said his performance in the international realm should not be compared with what he does in NBA play. “My role here is different here than it is with the Lakers,’ Bryant said. ‘We have so many talented players and I don’t have to score a lot of points. I just try to do the best I can defensively.” As time slips by, the Lakers will be entering into pre-season training before fans know it. What better time than now to book your Lakers tickets for this season? Stop by Stubhub.com to get your season tickets today!

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