ESPN NBA

Time to start learning the names of the good Brazilian players. From the Associated Press:

Welington Dos Santos rattled the U.S. defense with his speed and passing, while Leandro Barbosa of the Phoenix Suns, and Alex Garcia repeatedly drove to the basket. Both finished with 14 points.



Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao dictated play under the basket, racking up six defensive rebounds and three offensive boards in the third quarter. He fouled out in the final frame with Brazil trailing 85-82.

Carmelo Anthony's knee injury appears to be no big deal. He dove for a loose ball right in front of the U.S. bench--and plowed straight into Coach Krzyzewski. Coach K will never be able to say 'Melo wasn't giving it everything he had. I only hope his little injury is temporary, and doesn't make people start thinking twice about going all out on defense.



Also, it's clear Anthony has come to play this summer. We need him.



The U.S. ended up winning 90-86. LeBron James made the big play--a baseline drive in traffic. Kirk Hinrich shot 4-4 on technical free throws.



Video report of the game here



UPDATE: Was Dwyane Wade injured too? This is from China Basketball Challenge:

"...the absence of Dwayne Wade- whose injury was not reported- hurt the US as they tried to hold onto the lead."