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.
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