Team USA Hammers Nigeria, Sets Scoring Record In 156-73 Win

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Coach K: Team USA Tried Not To Embarrass Nigeria

Team USA Vs. Nigeria, Olympics 2012: Carmelo Anthony Leads Americans To Record-Breaking 156-73 Win

Team USA put on a record-breaking performance against Nigeria on Thursday night, remaining undefeated in Group A play with a 156-73 win. USA obliterated the all-time single-game Olympic scoring record of 138 points, previously held by the 1988 Brazilian national team. After a sluggish start against Tunisia on Tuesday, America's starters came out from the opening tip and absolutely blitzed the overmatched Nigerian club. Team USA took a 13-0 lead less than three minutes into the game and was quickly on their way to a 49-point quarter that included 11 3-pointers.

It was a shooting display for the ages that included an insane 29 made 3three-pointers -- a record for any Team USA game. As a team, USA hit 71.1 percent from the floor and 63 percent from behind the arc. USA made more 3-pointers than Nigeria made total field goals en route to the 83-point win.

In addition to the array of U.S. and Olympic scoring records that fell, Carmelo Anthony broke Team USA's individual scoring record by dropping 37 points in just 14 minutes of floor time. The previous American single-game record was Stephon Marbury's 31 points; Anthony exceeded that in the third quarter. Anthony hit an amazing 10 of 12 attempts from behind the arc, one shy of the American Olympic team record.

Along with 'Melo, Kobe Bryant led Team USA's offensive explosion in the first half. He had 16 points in the first 20 minutes (of which he only played 11) and was done for the night as coach Mike Krzyzewski rested his top superstars for the second-half blowout. Russell Westbrook picked up the highlight show in the second half and finished with 21 points.

Next up, Team USA faces Lithuania on Saturday in their fourth game in Group A play.

For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub.

James Harden Becomes The Butt Of Every Team USA Joke

Team USA Vs. Nigeria, Olympics 2012: Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant Lead Offensive Onslaught In 1st Half

While it wasn't quite as remarkable as their incredible 49-point first quarter, Team USA kept up the pressure in the second 10 minutes against Nigeria on Thursday to take a 78-45 lead into halftime. In just 20 minutes, Team USA has already tied their record for 3-pointers made in an Olympic game (14). As a team, they are shooting 58.3 percent from behind the arc and 67.4 percent from the floor.

Carmelo Anthony came off the bench at the end of the first quarter and promptly hit four 3-pointers during the onslaught. Anthony kept it up in the second quarter and finished with a game-high 19 points. Before Anthony's bench-scoring, it was Kobe Bryant who led the offensive attack. Kobe hit two remarkable 3-pointers and scored an array of buckets as the ball moved in transition. The Lakers legend finished the first half with 16 points, more than he'd scored in Team USA's two previous games combined.

Brazil holds the record for points scored in Olympic play with a 138-point performance against Egypt in 1988. Even if coach Mike Krzyzewski tries to put the brakes on the blowout, that could be in jeopardy if Team USA continues to shoot it as well as they have.

For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub.

Not So Fast, Anthony Davis

What does Team USA do when they're up big in the first half against Nigeria? (I mean, other than putting on their own dunk contest with lobs from all over the court.) They spend their time messing with the rookie, of course.

"Hey, Anthony. You're in, bud. Get on over to the scorer's table."

"Wait, come back. Gotcha, b----."

Yeah, nobody called for a sub. Not only is Davis getting ribbed from the bench, but I believe that's Chris Paul running by to let him know he got played.

That's the USA's game against Nigeria in a nutshell so far. Team USA is cruising and Anthony Davis is the target of some good-natured ribbing.

Edit: Davis was interviewed at halftime. He forgot to put his jersey on, which is even better.

Team USA Vs. Nigeria, Olympics 2012: 11 3-Pointers Pace USA To Amazing 49-Point Quarter

After a sluggish start against Tunisia on Tuesday, Team USA's starters made a concerted effort to blitz Nigeria in the first quarter on Thursday. USA overwhelmed the Nigerians to begin the game, jumping out to a 13-0 run and moving the ball quickly around the floor. But that was just the beginning of an incredible 10-minute stretch that featured 11 three-pointers and 49 points. Team USA holds a 24-point lead after the statement quarter.

Kobe Bryant had a quiet game against Tunisia but he set the scoring pace in the first quarter against Nigeria, pouring in a game-high 14 points. Bryant got buckets in transition and also went two-for-two from behind the arc, hitting a contested three right in front of the Nigerian bench. Bryant also put on a show on the break with a reverse dunk:

In addition to Kobe, Kevin Durant was part of the offensive onslaught to start the game. The NBA's scoring leader drilled three three-pointers to chip in a quick nine points. Carmelo Anthony came off the bench and kept up the offensive pressure, hitting four-of-four threes. As a team, USA hit an incredible 11 of 14 from long range.

For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub.

How To Watch Team USA Basketball Vs. Nigeria Live

The U.S. men's basketball team will play Nigeria on Thursday and fans will be able to watch the game live on TV or online.