Team USA couldn't shake Puerto Rico in the first half, but they ran away in the second half to a 112-86 victory in the second of two exhibitions at Madison Square Garden. Stephen Curry led the way with 20 points.
USA basketball vs. Puerto Rico recap: Team USA dominates 2nd half in 112-86 victory
Puerto Rico kept things interesting early, but Team USA pulled away in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
Al Bello
Derrick Rose returned to the lineup after sitting out the blowout win over the Dominican Republic, although Kyrie Irving remained the starter. Rose looked perfectly healthy when he was on the court, notching a handful of nifty assists and showing aggression on the defensive end.
Puerto Rico matched Team USA blow-for-blow in the early going, heading into the second quarter tied at 24-24 after a nasty Ricky Sanchez putback dunk (via @gifdsports):
Team USA went on a run in the second quarter, and it looked like they were going to put some distance between themselves and Puerto Rico. However, Puerto Rico hung around thanks to hot three-point shooting and solid point-guard play from Carlos Arroyo and J.J. Barea.
Puerto Rico was within two in the final seconds of the first half before Klay Thompson ended the half with a running three to put Team USA up, 52-47 (via @cjzero):
Team USA took quick control in the third quarter, extending the lead to double digits and never looking back. Kenneth Faried played a big role on both ends of the floor, bringing his trademark energy after a somewhat lackluster performance against the Dominican Republic.
Team USA led by 20 after three quarters and cruised to victory in the fourth, with Curry's filthy pass to James Harden for an easy dunk one of the highlights:
Team USA has one final exhibition next Tuesday against Slovenia before the FIBA World Cup begins on Aug. 30.
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