<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The man came to Las Vegas on a mission. I have heard a lot of stories already: In the lead up to yesterday's first game of the FIBA Americas tournament, he was walking around with a custom-made DVD of Greivis Vasquez, the Venezuelan guy he was going to be guarding. He has elevated the level of practices. He has mixed and mingled and made people feel good. He has infused the team with optimism. And he was like a hungry wolf on defense. Here's how Mark Heisler tells it in the Los Angeles Times: The tone was set from the opening tap by, who else, the Lakers' Kobe Bryant. Coach Mike Krzyzewski put him on the Venezuela point guard, Greivis Vasquez, a Maryland sophomore, who was challenged even in trying to complete an entry pass. "I don't know how to explain it," said Vasquez after the game. "That was amazing." "I grew up watching the NBA. I was in College Park, watching his highlights. All of a sudden, he was guarding me like it was the last game of his life. . . . "I'm 20 years old. . . . It was tough. I'm not going to lie to you guys. I lost the ball on a couple of possessions. . . . "But tomorrow's another day. It's all good. I'm glad it happened." I know he's everyone's favorite villain, and not without reason. But this is how we want our superstars to play, and when they play that way, let it be noted. He has even stopped eating junk food. The man is a professional. He also finished one of the funnest highlights I have seen in a long time. You can see it here. Here the play is described by Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal: Kidd had four assists and made a great hustle play in the second quarter as he saved a ball from going out of bounds, flinging it to Anthony at the top of the key. Anthony quickly found James cutting to the basket and hit him in stride. James then delivered a behind-the-back pass to a trailing Bryant, who finished with a thunderous slam dunk that brought the Thomas & Mack crowd of 6,537 to its feet. LeBron James' pass was spectacular. Also, without Kobe Bryant's 2-2, the U.S. shot 33% from downtown. With a short three-point line. And a ton of wide open garbage-time shots.</div> Source: Truehoop
Yeah If you saw the game it was kind of funny. USA lost the opening tip and vasquez got the ball. the minute he crossed the half court line he was trapped in between Kobe the side line and half court while bryant was waving his hand like a madman. Kobe played great D in that game. So did J Kidd. Those 2 guys dont want to lose. P.S. Tyson chandler looked like he was a bull again. Just horrible. turnovers 2 missed opps fumbled passes with no defense. I think the lights are shining waaaaaaaaaay too bright for the kid.
