Kobe Struggles as USA Prevails

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant struggled to get it going offensively in Team USA’s game against Angola this morning.  The U.S. squad pulled through though, winning the contest 97-76.  Bryant connected on just four of his 13 field goal attempts, missing all eight of his shots from downtown.  The team has struggled to find their rhythm from behind the arc, which is especially surprising because the international three point line is closer than that in the NBA.  Most would expect Bryant, who shot 36 percent from deep during the 2007-2008 NBA season, to excel from a closer three point range.  Bryant finished with eight points to go along with four boards and one dime.

As a unit, the “redeem team” has been lackluster in their long range shooting, going 5-21 from downtown against Angola and 7-24 in their first game against China.  Dwyane Wade, perhaps the most questionable shooter from deep of all of the guards on the roster, hit two of his three attempts from long range this morning.  He’s been the best player thus far in the Beijing games and the most efficient, connecting on 13 of his 15 field goal attempts in the first two contests.  The U.S. team cannot afford a similar performance by Bryant against a tough Greek team on Thursday.

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Posted in General on August 12, 2008

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