Team USA rolls forward after dominating Mexico in a 86-63 victory. Stephen Curry made this a statement game, scoring a team-high 20 points to push Team USA to the next round. Anthony Davis scored just four points but had six rebounds and four blocked shots as USA's leading big man. Kenneth Faried had a quiet eight-point game.
USA vs. Mexico final score: Stephen Curry takes over in 86-63 victory
Team USA advances to the next round after eliminating Gustavo Ayon and Mexico.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mexico's Gustavo Ayon looked sharp for his country but couldn't do it alone. Ayon scored a game-high 25 points, but Mexico's three-point shooting disappeared as the team made just four of its 16 attempts.
USA will play the winner between Slovenia vs. Dominican Republic.
What we learned
Team USA’s lack of experience is a gift and a curse
This version of Team USA lacks international experience, but as the tournament goes deeper and the wins stack up, it’s becoming evident how important it is to bring this new batch of talent up to speed. USA still has an incredible amount of talent and are the deepest team in Spain, and giving this youthful core a chance to grow into the next group to lead the country may turn into a blessing. How they handle the experienced teams, like Spain, will be the defining moment for Team USA.
FIBA World Cup
Even without superstar talent, Team USA is still considered a championship contender. When the time comes for future international competitions, Jerry Colangelo and Coach Krzyzewski will have a new set of players they are familiar with. Everything has to start somewhere.
Spicy hot Curry is still alive
Steph Curry averaged just over nine points per game through the group phase, but he came alive in the second half of this game. He dropped 11 points in the third quarter alone and took over for Team USA. He’s arguably the most important player for Team USA on offense, having an elite, super-refined skill in his three-point shooting. If he can continue shaking and baking, he can become USA’s first option on offense and help this group grow together.
Gustavo Ayon should land a contract, somewhere, soon
Gustavo Ayon wasn't able to topple powerhouse Team USA, but he looked sharp in his final game in Spain. He showed off a growing skill set, particularly with his footwork in the low post. Check this move he put on DeMarcus Cousins:
Ayon finished the game with 25 points, eight rebounds and one block. The unrestricted free agent has drawn attention from NBA teams, and he’ll certainly find a home. He won’t be expected to lead his team, like Mexico needed from him, but he’s a young backup center that should contribute to a team off the bench. Ayon has been a journeyman through his career, and has contract offers from international teams, but he prefers play at the NBA level.
ESPN’s Marc Stein has the latest on his current contract situation:
ESPN sources say Gustavo Ayon certainly prefers to play in NBA next season but at this point his offers from Europe have simply been richer
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 6, 2014 Play of the game
Curry’s third quarter stands as the big “moment” of the game, but this pull-up three-point shot in transition was the cherry on top of his hot run. Can we say hand down, man down, or is it too soon for that?
Player of the game
Stephen Curry gets the honor of player of the game for Team USA’s first elimination contest. He took over a game that already looked sealed for USA and put it out of question with his hot shooting and 11-point third quarter. Curry finished the game with 20 points, shooting six-of-nine from beyond the arc, and sealed the win after halftime.
See More:
