Olympic Quarterfinals: USA vs Australia

(08/20/2008)

7:52

What up, dawgs?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:52

7:52

Or dogs, if there are also some of those around?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:52

7:53

Also cats and kittens, I don't discriminate.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:53

7:53

Also cats and kittens, I don't discriminate.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:53

7:53

Although I do double-post!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:53

7:55

Let it be known, at 7:53 a.m. EST on Wednesday, August 20, I, Tom Ziller, admit I am a terrible liveblogger. If you want a good liveblogger, go visit BDL, which has 20 good livebloggers at the ready.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:55

7:55

Here, you get one mediocre dude.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:55

7:55

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

*Yawn*

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:55 TCO

7:55

Exactly.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:55

7:56

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I'll take a 2 point win over a 49 point one.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:56 TCO

7:56

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

More fun that way?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:56 TCO

7:57

As a fan of freedom and liberty, I'll take any sort of win.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:57

7:58

Roundball Rock, followed by the Marvin spot. Good start.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:58

7:59

And now, a scouting report from TCO:

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:59

7:59

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Aussies are deceptively quick. Brad Newly driving and posterizing Hamed Edhedi would many any top 10.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 7:59 TCO

8:00

I could watch this commercial for three hours.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:00

8:00

Cancel the game, load up Marvin in Bay 2.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:00

8:00

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Good morning Tom ;)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:00 BallinEurope

8:01

Ladies and gentlemen, Julien from Ball in Europe!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01

8:01

Popping in for the one game without a European team.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01

8:01

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

But could you watch it again at a different time for 3 hours?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01 TCO

8:01

No, because I'd know how it ends.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01

8:01

Here comes the tip...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01

8:01

Won by liberty for all!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01

8:01

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Not really - but thanks for calling me a French guy - This is Tobias :)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:01 BallinEurope

8:02

It's Tobias, not Julien! Color me embarrassed, which is roughly the same shade as Chris Kaman.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:02

8:03

Melo hits his first bucket, 2-0 America. AUS misses a trey -- they need to hit those -- and U.S. gets 20 offensive rebounds. Dwight Howard to the line. Watch out below.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:03

8:04

Howard misses both, Bogut rebounds the second.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:04

8:05

Another missed three, which leads to a transition-y post bucket for Howard, and one.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:05

8:05

He hit it! He hit the free throw! Do you believe in miracles?!?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:05

8:06

Matthew McConahey's brother, and one!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:06

8:06

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Did anyone notice? The media seats behind the US basketball get finally filled ... During the whole preliminary round it was empty

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:06 BallinEurope

8:06

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I like how they are manning up on Kobe during the free throw.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:06 TCO

8:07

Kidd hip-checks Bruton, who is keeping Patrick Mills' starting spot warm.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:07

8:07

Bogey picks up a quick second foul.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:07

8:07

Mamba strikes, 9-3 USA.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:07

8:07

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

More miraculous, Dwight Howard hits 2 FTs or J Kidd hits a shot?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:07 TCO

8:08	More miraculous: Howard with 2 FTMs, or Kidd with a FGM? Howard ( 35% ) Kidd ( 65% ) Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:08

8:08

To the polls!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:08

8:08

Doug Collins has a lot of inside information.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:08

8:10

I think Brad Newley was in a Genesis FIBA game I owned at some point.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:10

8:10

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Nielsen brings in some Euroleague flavour and wrestles Howard already :)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:10 BallinEurope

8:10

Nielsen now has two fouls.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:10

8:10

Wrestling is apparently prohibited in international basketball.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:10

8:10

Bummer.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:10

8:11

Mills comes in, loses Kidd, and drains a 3.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:11

8:11

15-9 Freedom. Kobe misses, David Marlow nails a trey. 15-12.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:11

8:12

Kidd hits a jumper! Kidd hits a jumper!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:12

8:12

Antsey inside, 17-14.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:12

8:13

I think Kobe just mocked an Australian play.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:13

8:13

Two possessions prior, Nielsen went up for a three but inside fired it inside to an open Chris Antsey.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:13

8:14

Kobe did the same thing, only Dwight Howard wasn't really that open, and he'll head to the line for 2.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:14

8:14

Kidd and Melo will come out for Wade and Chris Paul.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:14

8:15

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

So Tom, what was the story again behind the WHITE names on the back of team USA?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:15 BallinEurope

8:15

It's freedom's way!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:15

8:15

Something about sublimation to team, not about individual pride. HURF DURF

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:15

8:15

AUS hits another trey, turnover Howard. 20-17 US.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:15

8:17

Australia misses a couple chippies inside, Wade can't convert a tough oop attempt, LeBron gets clocked and takes one of the worst FTs (non Chuck Hayes division) I have ever seen. Coach K tells his team to "stop being stupid."

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:17

8:18

Antsey hits a baseline turnaround after some missed US threes. 21-19. Paul loses it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:18

8:18

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Lot more inside resistance than USA has been used to seeing.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:18 TCO

8:18

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

US getting a bit too 3 happy.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:18 TCO

8:19

Australia misses another chippy.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:19

8:19

Offensive foul on D Williams. They flop down under, too!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:19

8:19

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Anstey is not in the Euroleague - that's why it is called EUROleague and not AUSSIEleague Doug ;)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:19 BallinEurope

8:20

Come on Tobias, everything outside 'Merica is Europe!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:20

8:20

Except China. And Cuba.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:20

8:20

TIED GAME!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:20

8:20

Melo nails a three, as the only American who is shooting well.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:20

8:21

Mills draws a foul, hits one. 24-22 USA

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:21

8:22

FanHouse's own Chris Bosh draws a foul away from the ball.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:22

8:22

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Mills needs better court vision.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:22 TCO

8:23

Mills with the ball, clock winding down. AND ONE!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:23

8:23

He can tie it at the line to close the first Q.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:23

8:23

... but he bricks it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:23

8:23

We have a one-point game after a frame.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:23

8:24

25-24 United States.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:24

8:24

I believe this proper phrase here, given cultural considerations of the opponents, would be:

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:24

8:24

"Crikey!"

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:24

8:24

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Whats your assesment of the 1st quarter? We want hard hitting analysis!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:24 TCO

8:25

Australia is nice. Australia is good.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:25

8:25

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

I loooove how referees explain to coaches why the have not made a call - like explaining things to a little kid :-)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:25 BallinEurope

8:25

And with Coach K, they actually are explaining things to someone the size of a little kid.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:25

8:25

I can never look at Craig Sager the same, by the way.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:25

8:26

Another missed layup for AUS, Wade takes it the other way... and one. 28-24

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:26

8:27

Is his name Craig Sagle? If so, weird.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:27

8:27

He thinks nothing like Sagerbombs.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:27

8:27

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Aussies keeping it close without Bogut.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:27 TCO

8:27

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

too close for comfort

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:27 Guest

8:28

I don't know. I'm pretty comfortable. Slippers for the win.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:28

8:28

Oof, Mills just deke'd FanHouse's own Chris Bosh.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:28

8:29	Who would win a fight? Bosh's hair ( 74% ) Nielsen's hair ( 26% ) Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:29

8:29

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

I want to see Michael Redd. A lot of open corner 3s are there for the taking.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:29 TCO

8:29

Only Melo has hit from long distance for the U.S.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:29

8:29

It's the opposite for Australia, who has hit jumpers but missed the close ones.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:29

8:30

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Bosh's hair looks a slight bit wimpy for some reason.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:30 TCO

8:30

33-28 USA after a LeBron transition flush.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:30

8:30

Melo dry-humps Bogut, gets called for the foul.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:30

8:30

[Comment From Josh AMJosh AM: ]

If it stays close after the second I might be more worried.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:30 Josh AM

8:30

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Simple explanation why Chris Bosh does well with international play - look at his past rosters of Toronto...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:30 BallinEurope

8:31

Good point.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:31

8:31

Bogey takes FanHouse's own Chris Bosh to the rim. 33-30 US

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:31

8:32

Kobe with the flush, teams trade turnovers until Kobe dekes Mills for a lay-in. 37-30 U.S. all of a sudden.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:32

8:33

Bogut to the rim again, and one.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:33

8:34

Milwaukee could use some more screen-roll action.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:34

8:34

Australia's getting killed on the boards.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:34

8:35

41-32 U.S. ... Americans forcing some turnovers now.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:35

8:35

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

I hate to defend Australia, but with Team USA shooting that horrible they HAVE to get some offensive rebounds

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:35 BallinEurope

8:36

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Is Milwaukee going to play Iso a lot with Jeffersona nd Bogut?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:36 TCO

8:36

And Redd.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:36

8:36

Newley lays it in, 41-34.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:36

8:36

Kobe takes a terrible shot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:36

8:36

This isn't Germany, man!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:36

8:37

Andersen backs in, 41-36.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:37

8:37

LeBron ends the run, to the rim and one with the Mike Brown Special.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:37

8:38

Some shoving, now.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:38

8:38

Worthington and LeBron push each other.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:38

8:38

Worthington has a net worth slightly lower than LeBron.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:38

8:39

Tayshaun Prince enters the game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:39

8:39

Newley drives on Kobe again, misses the chippy but draws a foul.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:39

8:40

Kobe has ... not been good today.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:40

8:40

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Prince is in, but not Redd?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:40 TCO

8:40

And then hits a tough and one.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:40

8:40

47-38

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:40

8:41

Bruton hits, 47-40

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:41

8:41

LeBron setting up in iso, bricks a three.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:41

8:42

Another missed lay-up!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:42

8:42

Australia should be leading this, really.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:42

8:42

Coach K needs a taco and a smoke.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:42

8:43

Prince hits a few from the line.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:43

8:43

Err, one.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:43

8:43

48-40, Australia turnover.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:43

8:43

LeBron to the rim with mustard off iso.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:43

8:43

10-point lead for America.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:43

8:44

Newley sticks one in Kobe's jaw, 50-43

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:44

8:44

Kobe takes a vengeance shot, bricks it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:44

8:44

Mills bricks his own three.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:44

8:44

Tom Grady has aged a lot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:44

8:45

Brady, that is.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:45

8:45

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Matt Damon has aged a lot too.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:45 TCO

8:45

52-43

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:45

8:46

Worthington is trying out for Team USA with a bad brick from three.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:46

8:46

D Williams at the buzzer .... good!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:46

8:46

55-43 U.S.A. at the half.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:46

8:46

[Comment From MacMac: ]

that was a huge three

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:46 Mac

8:47

Yuge!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:47

8:48

Let's give the old boxscore a check.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:48

8:48

Melo and LeBron lead the Americans with 12 apiece.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:48

8:49

BronBron has 6 boards to go with that.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:49

8:49

Kobe has 6 points on 9 FGAs. Not good.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:49

8:50

Brad Newley and Patrick Mills have each dumped in 8 for Australia.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:50

8:50

Oh sorry, distracted by ill Rubio-to-Gasol assist in the Spain-Croatia game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:50

8:50

ILL

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:50

8:51

Bogut has been limited to 4 points on 5 FGAs, only two rebounds. He needs to hit the defensive glass much better, as do his teammates. The openings have been there, Australia just couldn't take advantage.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:51

8:51

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Is it embarassing that my alarm's been blaring for almost an hour and I just woke up?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:51 Rob Mahoney

8:51

Yes. Highly embarrassing.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:51

8:51

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Explain why Redd was not playing with many relatively open corner 3s available?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:51 TCO

8:52

Because Coach K is intimidated by the size of Redd's bald spot. Next.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:52

8:52

[Comment From NkNk: ]

I wonder still if Australia can keep the heat on the US.. more then likely not but it could happen.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:52 Nk

8:52

Is that a weather joke? Tell me that's not a weather joke?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:52

8:52

Next.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:52

8:52

[Comment From Josh AMJosh AM: ]

Should we be excited now or cautious? On one hand: we're up double digits and killing them on the offensive rebounds; But: they missed a lot of easy shots and eventually you would think those are going to go down. Also the reason why we have so many off rebounds is because we can't shoot worth a damn.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:52 Josh AM

8:54

On the one hand, the hair of FanHouse's own Chris Bosh is killing Matthew Nielsen's hair in internal polling. On the other hand ... on my other hand is a fairly painful paper cut. Damn old media and their paper! Go to hell, Sports Illustrated!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:54

8:54

Next.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:54

8:54

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Why does our State Legislature want green cars to be louder?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:54 TCO

8:54

So you don't get run down by a rogue hybrid, duh. Next.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:54

8:54

[Comment From KBLBJKBLBJ: ]

what would this team do without LEbron and Kobe?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:54 KBLBJ

8:54

Play Wade more. Next.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:54

8:55

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

How has the defense looked?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:55 Rob Mahoney

8:56

OK. Australia only had 2 or 3 turnovers in the first frame, and that was largely with Patrick Mills on the bench. But the Americans turned up the energy in the second, and Australia's offense fell apart a bit. The Aussies have gotten myriad open shots, though. Maybe the worst defensive performance for the team so far these Games, which is still loads better than 2004 or 2006 and clearly plenty enough for a win.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:56

8:56

[Comment From Shammy25Shammy25: ]

How has Bogut done thus far? He was their supposed missing weapon.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:56 Shammy25

8:57

Bogut got hit with foul trouble very early. He's had a few decent plays to the hoop past FanHouse's own Chris Bosh, but he's been inactive on the defensive glass and hasn't been a factor defensively. (The U.S. is just taking and missing jumpers on bad possessions.)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:57

8:58

The score is 55-43 at the half, thanks to a buzzer-beating D-Wil three.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:58

8:58

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Is "FanHouse's Own Chris Bosh" Bosh's new nickname?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:58 Rob Mahoney

8:58

Nickname? It's his new name.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:58

8:58

I have the birth certificate proof.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:58

8:59

Wait.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:59

8:59

They don't give you a new birth certificate when you change your name, do they?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:59

8:59

Crap, my lies have been exposed.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:59

8:59

[Comment From joedjoed: ]

Can Carlos Boozer use his size and speed against the slower Aussies?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 8:59 joed

9:00

Not unless a dice game breaks out on the sidelines.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:00

9:00

[Comment From weronikaweronika: ]

whos winning?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:00 weronika

9:00

The United States of Freedom and Liberty.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:00

9:01

True story: Sager's nude from the waist down.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:01

9:01

Beijing has a strict no-pants policy for courtside commentators.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:01

9:01

Game on!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:01

9:01

Kobe draws a foul on Newley on the perimeter.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:01

9:02

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Addendum: Craig Sager is a centaur.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:02 Rob Mahoney

9:02

Kobe hits a three.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:02

9:02

Newley cannot answer.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:02

9:02

Anthony nails one of his own. 18-point lead.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:02

9:03

LeBron gets a floor burn.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:03

9:03

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Oh man, the TV broadast is about 30 seconds ahead of the web broadcast. Any chance everyone watching TV on here wants to pause their DVR's for thirty while I catch up?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:03 Rob Mahoney

9:03

Ha ha.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:03

9:03

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

When the teams were coming out to warm up after halftime, did anyone else notice that NO ONE cheered for the Boomers? Pretty strange. I know Team USA is popular, but no cheers at all?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:03 Rob Mahoney

9:04

I've read Australia doesn't have its typical Olympic contingent here, which is weird.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04

9:04

62-43 U.S.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04

9:04

AUS ball.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04

9:04

[Comment From AShotInTheDarkAShotInTheDark: ]

Mark my words! We're taking over the world!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04 AShotInTheDark

9:04

Yes, the U.S. is taking over the world.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04

9:04

Jason Kidd is 2-for-2!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04

9:04

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Yay, imperialism!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:04 Rob Mahoney

9:05

Australia's offense has fallen apart.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:05

9:05

And Kobe seems abnormally fired up about making a bad shot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:05

9:05

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

The USA is tipping a lot of dribbles and passes though, in their defense. See what I did there? Huh? Huh?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:05 Rob Mahoney

9:06

Ladies and gentlemen, Rob Mahoney.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:06

9:07

Another offensive rebound for U.S. ... but Antsey destroys Dwight.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:07

9:07

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

I think the Australians were taking naps in the locker room during halftime.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:07 Rob Mahoney

9:08

The infamouse Aussie siesta. Actually takes up 6 hours of each day.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:08

9:08

Kobe hits again.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:08

9:08

I hope this doesn't classify me as a Communist, but I dislike Kobe more with every long three he takes.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:08

9:09

... which is pretty serious, considering how much I already dislike Kobe, given regional allegiance.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:09

9:09

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

Team USA went to a free throw shooting camp dirceted by Shaq ..

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:09 BallinEurope

9:09

Put down the mustard, Kidd! There's no hot dogs allowed in here!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:09

9:09

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

I don't know if it's on the TV feed, but Bogut's left foot looks to be troubling him. Trainer came over to look at it as he winced in pain.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:09 Rob Mahoney

9:10

It's not on the TV. We were stuck looking at Jerry Colangelo.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:10

9:10

Score is ... 69-46

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:10

9:10

Make that 71-46. LeBron with the and-1.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:10

9:11

LeBron might be the best post player in the tournament.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:11

9:11

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

I love when the rim mike picks up someone yelling "BALL DON'T LIE!"...and I love it even more when the commentators think it was a phrase invented by one of the players in that game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:11 Rob Mahoney

9:11

Worthington is thug life.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:11

9:12

Yeah, Bogey's ankle is bad.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:12

9:12

He's on the bench icing it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:12

9:13

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

I'd give ten bucks to see Andrew Bogut re-enact his ghost high fives right about now.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:13 Rob Mahoney

9:13

LeBron is also the best PG in the tournament.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:13

9:13

I can't believe people can still argue that LBJ isn't the best player in the world.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:13

9:14

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Breaking news: Michael Redd just went to the Boomers bench to give Bogut's foot the rub-down. It's the only action he'll be getting for awhile.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:14 Rob Mahoney

9:14

[Comment From Josh AMJosh AM: ]

I'm laughing at the thought of Scott Skiles texting

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:14 Josh AM

9:14

FanHouse's own Chris Bosh is on fire.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:14

9:14

75-50 U.S. Mills is playing for his draft stock now.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:14

9:15

Worthington is everything that's right with the world. He's like Nocioni but not annoying.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:15

9:15

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

But Dwyane Wade is the best Dwyane Wade of the tournament. If you don't count Chris Anstey, I mean.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:15 Rob Mahoney

9:15

Chris Antsey is a pretty dope Dwyane Wade.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:15

9:15

BOSH!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:15

9:16

The bank is open for Wade.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:16

9:16

[Comment From theWIGGZtheWIGGZ: ]

bogut is bogus

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:16 theWIGGZ

9:16

Clever!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:16

9:17

The lead is 30.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:17

9:17

[Comment From Adam JAdam J: ]

Time to put a shrimp on the barbie

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:17 Adam J

9:17

There we go!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:17

9:18

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

I really wonder if guys like Kobe REALLY want to listen to 23 year old head coach LeBron James

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:18 BallinEurope

9:18

Does Kobe want to listen to any coach?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:18

9:18

Yoda could be on the sidelines and Kobe would feud with him at some point.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:18

9:19

International incident alert!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:19

9:19

[Comment From Adam JAdam J: ]

Kobe Bryant has nothing but the utmost of respect for Coach Kobe Bryant

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:19 Adam J

9:19

By the way folks, since I'm running the show, the entire fourth quarter will be a Kobe hatefest.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:19

9:20

Bosh is a murderous beast.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:20

9:20

Bosh might be the greatest athlete in all of time.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:20

9:20

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

We need Brett Edwards to balance the Fanhouse blog ticket?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:20 TCO

9:21

Balanced tickets? Psh.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:21

9:21

Overwhelming bias is the key.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:21

9:22

89-61 U.S.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:22

9:22

U.S. outscores the Aussies 44-18 in the third.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:22

9:22

No wait. 34-18

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:22

9:22

Math is my strong suit. I'm actually a nuclear scientist.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:22

9:23

I can do cosines in my head.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:23

9:23

[Comment From Adam JAdam J: ]

I'm down. Question: did Kobe hire someone to blow out Andrew Bynum's knee?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:23 Adam J

9:23

Ask again later.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:23

9:23

No Pants Craig Sager the Centaur has returned.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:23

9:24

Team USA even gets free swag at the museum!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:24

9:24

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

You watch Spain-Croatia, Ziller?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:24 Rob Mahoney

9:24

Not yet. Hope to soon on Rewind on NBCOlympics.com.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:24

9:26

Michael Redd still can't get into the game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:26

9:26

Wait, check that.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:26

9:26

Redd's in the game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:26

9:27

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Redd is in Coach K's dog's doghouse.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:27 Rob Mahoney

9:29

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Looks like Kobe found his range and swag.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:29 TCO

9:29

Wait, I didn't mean to publish that. There was no insult attached!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:29

9:29

101-70 U.S. Six minutes left.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:29

9:29

Bogey can't walk.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:29

9:30

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

TCO: Kobe's always had swag, even when he didn't deserve it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:30 Rob Mahoney

9:30

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Bogut's beard is meaner than Bosh's hair.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:30 TCO

9:30

[Comment From Adam JAdam J: ]

I think it's crap that the USA has nothing but good players. Couldn't they have made room for people like Mark Madsen and Ronny Turiaf for the sole purpose of screwing around and hoisting ill-advised 3s in garbage time?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:30 Adam J

9:30

Ronny Turiaf is French.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:30

9:31

[Comment From BallinEuropeBallinEurope: ]

COME ON Bogut .... You lost .. don't put up a show ...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:31 BallinEurope

9:31

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Bucks fans: it's okay! Step down from that ledge! You have Malik Allen! Wait don't jump NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:31 Rob Mahoney

9:31

Joe Ingles has Kobe-level swag, without the Kobe-level massive dome.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:31

9:32

[Comment From Adam JAdam J: ]

You're French.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:32 Adam J

9:32

Oui oui!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:32

9:32

[Comment From PaulPaul: ]

Another USA spanking. Bring on Argentina

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:32 Paul

9:32

... or Greece!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:32

9:33

It amazes me how Redd could be everyone's hero last summer and used so little this time.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:33

9:33

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

when is the next game??

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:33 kevin

9:33

Friday morning, American time.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:33

9:33

[Comment From TCOTCO: ]

Ok Doug, 4/16 then four in a row is 8/20, 40% not 50%

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:33 TCO

9:33

Eat that, Collins!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:33

9:33

Math, yeah!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:33

9:34

Boozer with a travel in the open court.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:34

9:34

Back to the bench, loser!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:34

9:34

If Australia were an NBA team, I'd watch them.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:34

9:34

Mills-to-Worthington-to-Ingles

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:34

9:35

106-78 U.S.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:35

9:35

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

At least Redd will fool the box-scorers with his nice shooting efficiency. He's had such an impact on this game!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:35 Rob Mahoney

9:36

For all the talk about the three-year committment ... how many of them have actually been around all three years?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:36

9:36

LeBron, Howard, Kidd ...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:36

9:37

Anyone else?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:37

9:37

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Not Kidd. Carmelo, though.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:37 Rob Mahoney

9:37

Three-year commitments are O-VER-RAT-ED.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:37

9:38

(I figure something should get that treatment this morning. Team USA doesn't deserve it.)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:38

9:39

Breen said, "You can see, Nielsen wants to start something." Because Nielsen had the audacity to get an offensive rebound?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:39

9:39

[Comment From Shammy25Shammy25: ]

If the US played as long together as some of these international teams, they would blow teams out by 60 points.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:39 Shammy25

9:40

Betrayal Skull Dude has been made lazy by his bench role.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:40

9:40

[Comment From Rob MahoneyRob Mahoney: ]

Shammy: But would the players be quite as good as they are? They got to their level not only because of talent and work ethic, but also because they play against the best competition in the world. Not sure that kind of long-term commitment is compatible with pro ball in America, so they'd have to choose: NBA or USA.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:40 Rob Mahoney

9:40

[Comment From WeronikaWeronika: ]

What's the final score?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:40 Weronika

9:41

What, do I look like Nostradomus?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:41

9:41

113-85 U.S. or something like that, a minute left.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 9:41

9:41