If you haven’t followed the comments section from the Roundup, and you’re not watching USA-Greece hoops on USA right now, here’s what you’re missing (the third quarter is about to begin):

- Another sluggish start: Jason Kidd picked up three fouls in the first 90 seconds. Team USA struggled against the zone and Greece owned the pace. Then, the USA brought in Wade and Bosh, and it all changed.
- D Wade took over. Looking like his 2006 self, he was the best player on the floor at both ends, sparking the team to a lead it still hasn’t relinquished.
- Dwight Howard got two early fouls and Chris Bosh replaced him. Bosh was a monster defensively, active on the glass, and ran the floor like a SF, not a center. He led everyone with 12 at the break.
- LeBron, after an indifferent start (seemed like he was playing mostly PF) and some lazy defense, had a strong end to the second quarter, forcing the fast break and attacking the hoop.

Team USA’s defensive effort was outstanding, forcing 11 turnovers in the first half. It led 51-32 at the break, closing the half with a 15-4 run sparked by Wade, Bosh and LeBron, and Kobe even mixed in a triple.

On a beach chair somewhere in Miami, Pat Riley is wondering, “should I come back and take credit for how good we’re going to be this season?” Beasley, Marion and Wade, if they can get role players to make three’s, rebound and defend, could make some real noise in the East.