Tokyo Olympics: USA men’s basketball team destroys Iran following shock loss to France, but it is enough to silence critics moving forward?

The high-profile team bounces back with a 120-66 win over Iran in their second group game of Tokyo 2020, but will criticism remains stateside?

The squad lost its opening match to France, which spurred the American media to hit a few alarm bells for the team

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USA's Keldon Johnson goes for a dunk. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:24pm, 28 Jul 2021Updated: 4:28pm, 28 Jul 2021

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The USA men’s basketball team laid a thrashing on the Iranians in group play 120-66, however, will it be enough to silence the growing criticism back home against the squad heading forward at Tokyo 2020?

Damian Lillard dropped 21 points, remarkably all from three pointers, to lead six USA players who all got into double digits in terms of points. Kevin Durant had 10 points while Devin Booker had 16.

After losing 83-76 in their opening game to France, the USA had to beat Iran to ensure they will go through to the quarter final stage. Next up for the Americans is the Czech Republic Saturday, July 31 at 8pm in their final pool game.

Lillard scored 11 points the previous game, and caught fire against the Iranians, scoring six three pointers in the first half, which ended with the USA leading 60-30.

Jayson Tatum of USA in action against Aaron Geramipoor and Michael Rostampour of Iran. Photo: EPA