
LAS VEGAS (AP) — New team. Same old result.
Full of new star power — including Sacramento Kings Center Demarcus Cousins — the U.S. men’s basketball team opened its bid for a third straight Olympic gold medal Friday with a 111-74 exhibition romp over Argentina .
READ MORE: Stimulus Check Update: Are Relief Payments Bad For The Economy?A U.S. team that hasn’t lost a game in 10 years had little trouble with Argentina , which some consider a medal contender in Rio. Paul George scored 14 first-half points, Kevin Durant added 12, and the U.S. blew open the game early before an appreciative crowd on the Las Vegas Strip
READ MORE: Federal Agencies Raid Roseville Home Of Former Sacramento Sheriff's EmployeeEven with Kobe Bryant retired and LeBron James taking this Olympics off, there was no real talent drop off on a team heavily favored to win gold once again. The depth of the U.S. showed as coach Mike Krzyzewski rotated players in and out, searching for the right combinations on a team with 10 new players from 2012.
MORE NEWS: Study: There Was No 'Mass Exodus' From California In 2020Cousins scored 14 points and 15 rebounds in 16 minutes of play.