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 Olympic scoring record, which was previously held by Brazil at 138 points. After a sluggish start against Tunisia on Tuesday, the starters came out from the opening tip and absolutely blitzed the overmatched Nigerian club. Team USA took a 13-0 lead and was quickly on their way to a 49-point quarter that included 11 three-pointers.
It was a shooting display for the ages that included an insane 29 made three-pointers -- a record for any Team USA game. As a team, USA hit 71 percent from the floor and 63 percent from behind the arc. USA made as more threes than Nigeria made field goals en route to the 83-point win.
In addition to the array of Team USA and Olympic scoring records, Carmelo Anthony broke the Team USA individual scoring record by dropping 37 points. The previous record was Stephon Marbury's 31 points, and 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 the offensive explosion in the first half. He had 16 points in the first 20 minutes and was done for the night as Coach K 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.
Team USA will now face Lithuania on Saturday for their fourth game in Group A play.
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