United States needs second-half outburst to beat Germany

SAITAMA, Japan -- So far, no one at the world championships has figured out how to counter Team USA's superior skills, athleticism and depth. Germany provided a clue Wednesday night.

The Germans packed the paint and forced the Americans to fire from afar. The strategy worked for a half before the United States pulled away for an 85-65 victory.

It may have been the scariest 20-point win in team history. The Americans struggled against the Germans' zone defense and were out of sync much of the night.

The Americans' performance provided a glimmer of hope for defense-oriented Greece, which faces the U.S. in the semifinals Friday. Spain and Argentina, which meet in the other semifinal, also will take note.

"I'm sure we're going to see a lot of zone," U.S. guard Kirk Hinrich said. "We have up 'til now, and I'm sure we will the remainder of the games. And that's fine. We've got guys who can make shots, and for whatever reason we just didn't do that tonight."

Indeed, the United States struggled through its worst shooting performance -- 38 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range -- in seven games.

The only worse shooting came from German star Dirk Nowitzki, who finished with more turnovers (five) than baskets (three). He was 3-for-12 from the floor and finished with 15 points, tied for the team high with Ademola Okulaja.

The Americans' leading scorer was Carmelo Anthony, who scored 19 points but was 2-for-12 in the first half.

The United States is at its most potent when it is running the floor and attacking the basket. But it launched 40 of its 85 shots from beyond the 3-point arc.

The United States, which led 40-39 at halftime, pulled away with defense and rebounding. It pressured the Germans into 24 turnovers and hammered them 48-34 on the backboards, including a 22-6 advantage on the offensive glass.

The U.S. team is two wins away from its first gold medal since 1994 in this competition.