Team USA remains undefeated after pulling away from the Dominican Republic in a 106-71 victory. Kenneth Faried led all scorers with 16 points, along with six rebounds. Victor Liz led the Dominican Republic with 15 points. Team USA went on a 22-0 run that ran through the third and fourth quarters to put the game out of question and clinch Group C.
Dominican Republic vs. USA results: Kenneth Faried fuels Team USA to 106-71 victory
Team USA got off to another slow start, but Kenneth Faried and its frontcourt trio pushed it to another victory in group play.
Nathaniel S. Butler, Getty Images
Team USA improves to 4-0 through group play with one game remaining against the Ukraine before the knockout stage begins.
What we learned
Have rim protection, will travel
Anthony Davis, Faried and DeMarcus Cousins are key for Team USA's interior defense, and the trio did a great job at clogging the lane. Team USA's perimeter defense may be the biggest flaw on the roster, but with those three bigs serving as the last line of defense, they still are a formidable team to score against.
Davis notched five blocks, including this highlight-reel play as he went above the box to swat an attempt away (h/t @BenGolliver)
Team USA can survive on size
The decision to cut the roster down with an emphasis on additional frontcourt players by bringing along Cousins, Mason Plumlee and Andre Drummond raised some eyebrows, but Team USA was able to pound the ball into the low-post to finish plenty of easy buckets around the rim. It may not have the biggest frontcourt in Spain, but it has talent and athleticism that will force opponents into tough match ups.
The three-ball wasn’t falling for Team USA, but it was able to lean on its frontcourt to run away with the game.
Slow start, no problem
Team USA didn't start off hot, but it ended the game in complete control. The Dominican Republic trailed by three after the first quarter, hanging in even without its leading scorer, Francisco Garcia.
Team USA went on to outscore the Dominican Republic 31-19 in the second quarter, 25-11 in the third quarter, and 25-19 in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with a 35-point lead while the end of the bench played minutes to close out a big win.
Play of the Game
Say hello to DeMar DeRozan’s ridiculous wingspan as he goes for a big extension on this jam:
Player of the Game
Faried continues to have a great FIBA World Cup showing, finishing the game with 16 points and six rebounds. He had the play of the game and was crucial in Team USA controlling the glass after a slow start. Faried also had this sick putback dunk, which stands as the runner-up for play of the game:
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