Here's another report from our Japan correspondent, Daisuke, who provides us his take of the USA's 98-73 victory over previously undefeated Israel. Thanks, Daisuke!:
I've just watched tape of Israel game. Israel was very aggressive team.
In the first half, Israel just outrun and outhustled USA. But USA took
control in the second half and remained unbeaten.
Much of headline wrote about 22-0 run led by Caron Butler in the 3rd
quarter. But real decisive run was in the 4th quarter when Isael cut the
lead to eight points. And that run was led by Chris Duhon. He found
Carlos twice in transition for easy layups. And then hit Collison for
dunk. Although he was not shooting very well, he hit a big three in the
4th quarter.
Carlos was around basket all the time. I think all his points came from
somebody's assists. He held inside position very well and also finished
some fast break. He was not able to make his post move because as soon
as he got ball in the low post, he was double teamed by Israel defenders. His
rebounding was very good. And I was impressed by how quickly he made
outlet pass to guards after he got rebounds.
Dahntay came in the game in closing minutes. He had high flying fast
break dunk assisted by Chris. As I watched his move carefully, he was
able to run. But he was not able to make quick stop or turn. I've
watched tape of Rutgers game in which Dahntay was playing, he was much
more explosive. I think it is clear that he is far from hundred percent.
But he shows some spectacular dunks during the warm up. And caught eyes
of Japanese kids. Last week, he was srounded by kids asking him for autograph.
And he was kindly responding, signing as many as he could.