USA - Team USA thrash Puerto Rico

LAS VEGAS (FIBA World Championship) - The United States hammered Puerto Rico 116-82 in the first of two warm-up friendly games ahead of this month's FIBA World Championship.

The US Team dominated the game, playing fast and with a dunking-show from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard during the second half.

Anthony was the man-of-the-match, having top-scored with 20 points at Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center. LeBron James provided the support with a 15-point haul of his own for Mike Krzyzewski's team.

Carlos Arroyo led Julio Toro's Puerto Rico with 17 points, accompanied by the 13-point contribution of Rick Apodaca.

Toro said: "It was a good practise. Their (United States) defence was very tough to beat, but it was good because now we have the experience of what we'll face in Japan.

"My players took this game very seriously. It is like they are on a mission."

It was the first clash between both sides since the extraordinary 92-73 triumph of Puerto Rico in the 2004 Olympic Games.

They will meet again on Thursday.

Puerto Rico and the US Team will also meet in the FIBA World Championship in Group D, along with Italy, China, Senegal and Slovenia.

PA Sport