USA vs. Venezuela Basketball – International Friendly Game 2016: The Date, Time & Schedule; Where to Watch Live Streaming and TV Broadcast
Team USA has now blitzed its first two exhibition season opponents by an average of 43 points on the team's fast track to Rio and next month's Olympic Games.
Next up for the Americans is Venezuela (July 29, in Chicago, 9 p.m. ET, NBA TV), a team that may evoke an even more spirited effort from coach Mike Krzyzewski's men by virtue of their stunning 2015 FIBA Americas gold medal showing. You can watch a live stream here.
To be clear, the Americans first face China again in the second of a back to back set prior to taking on Venezuela, but after drubbing the Chineese squad by 49 points in the series opener does anyone really hold out much suspense for that one?
Kevin Durant (19 points), Klay Thomposon (17), DeMar DeRozan (13), DeAndre Jordan (12), DeMarcus Cousins (12) and Kyrie Irving (10) led the way in Team USA's 106-57 display of dominance at Staples Center.
Cohesive Unit
For the second time in as many outings, Team USA looked like a team that has been together much longer than their week of practices in Las Vegas highlight.
"We should have won, but the way we won was excellent," Krzyzewski said of his team's easy take-down of China. "We're really growing together as a group."
They'll need to be at their cohesive best against a Venezuelan squad made in the image of their hard-charging, never-say-die coach Nestor 'Che' Garcia.
Fueled by Garcia's passion, Venezuela peaked at just the right time in FIBA play last year, earning the country its first such title in history and the squad a spot in Rio.
Vazquez a Mystery
The team is led by the perimeter duo of Heissler Guillent and NBA veteran Greivis Vazquez, though it is unclear when he may again be available due to a growing list of concerns.
After Venezuela, Team USA has a final exhibition tune-up against Nigeria in Houston before open Olympic play against China on August 6 in Brazil.
Thus far, Krzyzewski has most relied on a rotation that features Durant, Thompson, Irving, Cousins, Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George and Draymond Green.
Complete Exhibition Schedule
USA 111, Argentina 74
USA 106, China 57
China - July 26 in Oakland (Oracle Arena) 10 p.m. ET
Venezuela - July 29 in Chicago (United Center) 9 p.m. ET
Nigeria - Aug. 1 in Houston (Toyota Center) 8 p.m. ET
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