The run of Team USA's games through the qualifying rounds leading up to the 2012 London Olympics has featured a different star each and every time. Kevin Durant grabbed the spotlight in the first game against the Dominican Republic. LeBron James scored 30 points against Brazil. Yesterday against Great Britain, Deron Williams took the reins and made an impact on the roster with 19 points and his best effort to date with the team.
Williams said earlier that he had been concerned about the way he would respond in international play given that he had to miss practice time with his free agency pending with the Nets. However it's clear that he's just fine.
"I was a little worried about how my conditioning was going to be just because I hadn't played 5-on-5," Williams said. "But I trained really hard so that I would be in the best shape possible. But I feel like I am there, I feel like I am in great condition, I feel like my shot's now starting to come along, that rhythm, that timing is starting to get down."
Other heroes on the night include Carmelo Anthony who also had 19 points and Russell Westbrook with 15 points and 9 assists.
For more on Team USA's journey to the 2012 Olympic Games, check out thecoverage at SB Nation.