U.S. defense thwarts Greece

The U.S. routed Greece, 92-69, to clinch a berth in the medal round.

BEIJING (AP) — Don’t be fooled by the breathtaking dunks and deft passes.

Defense is the U.S. Olympic identity.

With suffocating pressure, the U.S. routed Greece 92-69 Thursday night in a game that provided a hint of how good this team might be. It also clinched a berth in the medal round.

“We’re going after every opponent,” said LeBron James, who helped lead the defensive effort with two steals and three blocks. “Defensively, that’s where we make our mark.”

The defense will be tested Saturday night against Spain, the defending world champion. The Spaniards aren’t likely to cave in under the defensive pressure the Americans have used to overwhelm their first three opponents by an average of 25 points.

But before they could think about Spain, the Americans had to deal with Greece, which stunned the U.S. in the semifinals of the world championships two years ago.

“This was a big game for us,” U.S. point guard Chris Paul said. “We had this game circled for a long time, once we found out what the groups were.”

“I don’t think any team in any sport is unbeatable,” U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

Early in the game Thursday night, the Greeks appeared ready to give the U.S. fits all over again. The Americans led by only 24-18 in the second quarter when Dwyane Wade stole the ball and fed James for a dunk.

That started a blur of deflected passes, steals and blocks — and every one sent a message. When it comes to defense, the Americans aren’t fooling around.

“Our defense at the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter was what turned the game around for us,” Krzyzewski said.

The Greeks shredded the U.S. for 101 points two years ago. They might have needed six quarters to score that many Thursday.

At halftime, the U.S. led 51-32. The Greeks had nearly as many turnovers (25) as field goals (26). Greece shot 41 percent for the game.