Team USA Basketball defeated Nigeria, 156-73, in Group A play at the 2012 London Olympics on Thursday. The score put up by the U.S. was an Olympic record. It was not the only record set on Thursday.
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony set a record for most points scored by a U.S. player in the Olympics with 37 on 13-of-16 shooting. Anthony hit 10 three-pointers. Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams had 13 points and 10 assists off the bench. Knicks center Tyson Chandler had two points and five rebounds.
The U.S. got off to a 13-0 start and did not look back. Wide open three-pointers and dunks helped Team USA build a 49-25 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, the U.S. had 78 points and knew they had a chance to smash records. The scoring onslaught continued in the second half with 41 points in the third quarter and 31 points in the fourth quarter. The team finished with a U.S. record 29 made threes on 46 attempts. The 83-point margin of victory was also a record.
Kobe Bryant scored 16 in the first half for the U.S. while Kevin Durant had 14 points. Russell Westbrook scored 21 points and Kevin Love had 15 points for the game. Ike Diogu had 27 points and seven rebounds to lead Nigeria.
For more on the 2012 Summer Games, please be sure to check out our Olympic Hub and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.