.jpg)
The shot bounced off the back rim, then the front, then finally fell out.
With that, the United States walked off the court with a victory, and another warning: A world championship won’t come easily for this young team—if it comes at all.
The Americans survived their first tough test in Turkey, edging Brazil 70-68 on Monday when Leandro Barbosa’s(notes) shot rattled out at the buzzer.
“This game right here was an eye opener,” U.S. guard Derrick Rose said.
Kevin Durant(notes) scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups(notes) added 15 for the Americans (3-0), who essentially clinched Group B with the victory. But they have bigger goals than a group championship, trying to end a 16-year U.S. drought in this event.
