In what was a much needed dominant performance for the United States late in the night of July 27/early in the morning of July 28, Chicago Bulls star shooting guard Zach LaVine had a memorable outing. LaVine and the United States put together a complete performance for the first time in a while to get a huge 120-66 win over Iran to right the ship in pool play. This comes after a big letdown to open up pool play last weekend in a loss to France by a score of 83-76.
Individually, this was one of the better performances for LaVine with Team USA since the start of the pre-Olympic exhibition circuit a few weeks ago. LaVine continues to come through with well-rounded and efficient performances for Team USA. Even in the July 25 loss to France, LaVine’s efficiency was one of the few bright spots for this squad.
LaVine registered 13 points, eight assists, four rebounds, one steal, and no blocks. And he shot 3-of-5 from the field, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. There was really nothing to complain about with the way that LaVine showed out in this win over Iran. He, along with star forward Kevin Durant and big man Bam Adebayo, had some of the most well-rounded outings of the night for Team USA.
Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine and Co. key to the United States win over Iran
Another big performance came from the Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard. As the spark plug for the United States offense, Lillard registered a game-high 21 points, five assists, and two rebounds, on a solid 7-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc.
The way that Team USA played as a whole in this win over Iran should spark enough confidence that this squad could be turning it around at the right time. The record for the United States since the start of the exhibition circuit this month is nothing to write home about.
But this win over Iran was one of the most dominant of any game so far in the men’s basketball competition in the Olympics.
Now sporting a record of 1-1, LaVine and the United States is now set to round out group play against the Czech Republic this coming weekend. LaVine will get to face his Bulls teammate and combo guard Tomas Satoransky in this meeting with the Czech Republic, which is set for July 31.