USA blow out Iran by the biggest margin in Tokyo / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The USA (1-1) took the first step to redemption after their loss to France by handing Iran (0-2) their second loss of the Tokyo Olympics 120-66 (28-12, 32-18, 22-13, 38-23).

Player of the Game EFF 23 Zach LaVine Points 13 Accuracy 3-5 Rebounds 4 Assists 8

The Americans lit Iran up from long range, making 19 of 39 (49%) from three. They also converted 23 of 37 (62%) from inside the line and made 17 free throws. The USA dished out 34 assists, compared to Iran's 17. All 24 players stepped on the floor for both teams.

Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi's 3-pointer gave Iran their only lead at the start of the game (5-7). However, Damian Lillard made three 3-pointers, Kevin Durant added two of his own, and the Americans pulled away 28-12 to end the quarter.

They continued their offensive onslaught in the second period while also defending well. After two back-to-back treys from Zach LaVine, Team USA pulled away by 30 in the middle of the quarter (47-17).

Iran were never able to recover and proceeded to get dismantled in the second half. USA's advantage increased to 43 after a Khris Middleton 3-pointer with 4:26 remaining in the third (77-34).

The lead continued to grow in the final period, and the USA took a 120-66 victory.

The USA: Damian Lillard 21 (5 assists), Devin Booker 16 (5 rebounds, 3 steals), Jayson Tatum 14, Zach LaVine 13 (8 assists), Kevin Durant (5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals), Khris Middleton 10.

Iran:Hamed Haddadi 15 (6 rebounds), Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi 14, Navid Rezaeifar 13.

UP NEXT:

The USA will try to build a winning streak on Saturday against the Czech Republic (15:00 EEST).

Iran will attempt to steal a game against France on Saturday (04:00 EEST).

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