U.S. men's basketball team dominant in win over China

U.S. men's basketball team dominant in win over China

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NBC Olympics.com – The United States looked to be in big trouble in their first game after China got out to an early 2-0 lead, but they battled back and managed to escape with a 119-62 victory.

The U.S. missed their first five shots, but two free throws from DeMarcus Cousins sparked a 9-2 run that would put the game out of reach for good.

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With Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony the lone returning Olympians, the U.S. suited up ten Olympic neophytes, most notably Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

Durant, USA's leading scorer at the London Olympics, was the pace-setter again tonight with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal on 10-14 shooting from the floor.

Anthony, who had 9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, one steal and one block, tied LeBron James and David Robinson for most Olympic games played for the United States with 24.

High-flying DeMar DeRozan got the crowd on their feet with two highlight-reel dunks.

It wasn't all offense for the United States as they shut down China on the defensive end, forcing 24 turnovers in the game.

Former NBA player Yi Jianlian, who was selected in the same NBA draft as Durant, was the high scorer for China with 25 points to go along with 5 rebounds and a block.

The 57-point victory was the United States' biggest in a win in an opening game of the Olympics since the Dream Team beat Angola by 68 in 1992.

In his final Games on the bench of the United States, the win improved Mike Krzyzewski's Olympic head coaching record to 17-0.

The U.S. will face Venezuela on Monday at 6:00 pm ET followed by China taking on France at 9:30 pm ET.