Team USA must avoid complacency

SAITAMA, Japan – After weeks of meticulous physical and psychological preparation, Team USA is perhaps facing its greatest opponent yet: old habits.

After a 113-73 whipping of Australia on Sunday, the Americans have cruised into the 2006 FIBA World Championship quarterfinals without seriously being tested. Except for a poor quarter against Italy, Team USA has been as dominant as the good old days.

Of course, those days have become old because of overconfidence and disrespect for the opposition in major international competitions.

After taking apart the Aussies with their most complete offensive and defensive game of the tournament, it appears those dangerous states of mind might be the only serious threat keeping Team USA from a date in next Sunday’s world title game.

The Americans shot 54 percent and hit 14 of 27 3-pointers, their Achilles heel until now, to turn it into a rout quickly.

Eight American players scored at least eight points, led by Carmelo Anthony’s 20 points, in a brilliant display of unselfish basketball. Team USA recorded an assist on 24 of its 41 field goals.

LeBron James seemed to be leading that philosophy as he continues to serve as the offensive general with the starters, giving up his own shot opportunities to set up his teammates after drawing defenders. He took only five shots in 22 minutes Sunday, scoring a tournament-low five points, with four rebounds and four assists.

Don’t let those totals mislead. Even though his points are down, James is playing the same sort of point-forward role he takes with the Cavaliers.

The offense starts through him, and James has been setting up numerous baskets, even when he isn’t credited with an assist.

“I’m a very unselfish player, sometimes too unselfish,” James said. “For our team, it brings confidence to know none of us has to go out and score a lot of points for us to win.”