Basketball Thoughts #2

USA men's basketball team barely beat Brazil today. They won by two points, 70-68. Brazil was not surprised that they got a good start on how to play team USA at basketball. Throughout most of the game, Brazil's guards set the pace for how they were going to play the Americans. They played a speed game. They did not have NBA big men on Brazil's national team, Anderson Varejao and Tiago Splitter available to play. I think this could have been one of the causes why Brazil did not have the advantage most of the game. The Americans knew coming into this game that they were going to be in for a surprise. It was a big surprise. The Americans were able to stay in the basketball game with the help of Kevin Durant and Chauncey Billups. If USA can survive Brazil's onslaught, then imagine how they can handle the upcoming ball games if they are to win the FIBA tournament. I really like Ricky Rubio's chances of playing in the NBA, particularly for the Minnesota Timberwolves. This Spainard really knows the game of basketball, he's crafty, he's got some flash to his game, and he knows how to play. Play. He can handle the basketball and he's got a nice shooting touch and some decent passing skills as well as some hops to go along with his game.