Team USA followed their opening rout of China with a 44 point victory over Venezuela. Leading the US in scoring was Paul George with 20 points on a scorching 85.7% shooting. John Cox, cousin of Kobe Bryant, led Venezuela with 19 points. Though the final score doesn’t illustrate it, this is the first game in which the US has faced adversity.
Early on, the Americans got into foul trouble. An important rule difference to note here is that in FIBA ball, players are ejected after five fouls, unlike the NBA where they are ejected after six. Star centre DeMarcus Cousins racked up two fouls early and was pulled after just two minutes of play.