Team USA Handles Brazil in Exhibition at Verizon Center

After dismantling the Dominican Republic 113-59 last week in their first pre-Olympics exhibition game, Team USA faced some stiffer competition Monday at Verizon Center.

Brazil, featuring several NBA players (including the Washington Wizards' Nene), gave Team USA fits early on, even taking an early 10-point lead (not bad for a team that has not medaled since 1964).

It was only a matter of time, however, before the Americans took control. LeBron James scored 30 points and D.C. native Kevin Durant added 11 as Team USA defeated Brazil 80-69.

In front of a lively crowd which included President Barack Obama, Team USA did not pull away until the final minutes (they were up by only six with six minutes to go), but they ultimately improved to 2-0 with three exhibition games remaining before the Olympics begin next weekend.

Alex Garcia scored 14 to lead Brazil, while Cleveland's Anderson Varejao had 12 points and 13 rebounds.

(Note: unfortunately, the headline of "AMERICANS WAX BRAZILIANS" ended up on the cutting room floor, but that does not mean that you cannot enjoy it now.)

Anyways, the American women also won their exhibition game Monday in a 99-67 rout. Lindsay Whalen scored 21 points.


Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamVingan and e-mail your story ideas to adamvingan (at) gmail.com.

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