OLYM - USA storm to victory in opener

LONDON (Olympics) - The United States didn’t have it all their own way against France on Sunday, at least not 10 minutes into the contest when LeBron James and Co only led 22-21.

But as it often happens in clashes with the Americans, the floodgates opened.

By halftime, the lead was 52-36 and with 10 minutes left, the score was 78-51.

The game, effectively, was over.

Kevin Durant led the team in scoring with 22 points while the versatile James had a game-high eight assists to go with his nine points.

Durant and James each had two steals.

“I thought we did a good job defensively and we shared the ball,” said USA coach Mike Krzyzewski, who received warm congratulations from First Lady Michelle Obama as his team walked to the changing room.

“We assisted on 27 of our 31 buckets and we rebounded the ball very well.”

Kevin Love, who must shoulder much of the burden in the rebounding department this summer for the USA, had just three boards but he poured in 14 points.

"We have a team that has very unselfish guys, willing to step up, hit big shots,” Love said.

“We didn't shoot the ball particularly well from the three-point line (eight of 25) but we got the first one out of the way against a very good France team.”

The USA point guards, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook, were tough as well.

Can anyone stop the United States?

“Chris Paul and D-Will (Williams) did a great job and we tried to contain them but they're so physical and they're a talented side,” France’s Nicolas Batum said.

“People say they're too small but LeBron is like every big of other teams and KD longer than every big guy of the other team, too.

“They did a great job on the offensive rebounds.

“During the preparations, the USA didn't blow out everybody.

“The won only by six against Argentina, only by 11 against Brazil.

“So they can lose one game, maybe.”

The United States have started the Olympics playing with fire and determination.

So far, they look like a side that is going to march to the podium.

FIBA