http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2004/04_moly_exh1.html
USA Rolls Past Puerto Rico 96-71

July 31, 2004 • Jacksonville, Florida • Box Score • Quotes

Leading from start to finish, the USA Basketball Men's National Team defeated Puerto Rico 96-71 in its first exhibition game in Jacksonville, Fla. Jumping out to a 12-1 lead, the U.S. pulled ahead by as many as 17 points in the first quarter, 23-6, with 2:10 to play and finished the first 10 minutes up 26-15. Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) scored seven of his 15 points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Puerto Rico chipped away at the gap and with 1:35 on the clock before half, narrowed the USA's advantage to 39-34. Scoring the final four points of the half, the United States retired to its locker room ahead 43-34.

Puerto Rico again fought back and after Larry Ayuso made two of three free throws at 9:17 in third quarter, the score was 45-39. However, the U.S. went on a 12-3 scoring run to move ahead 57-42 and went on to lead by as many as 27 before taking the 96-71 victory.

In addition to Duncan's 15 points, Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) and Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz) scored 16 apiece, Shawn Marion (Phoenix Suns) added 11 points, Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) chipped in seven and passed off for eight assists, while Stephon Marbury notched six points and six assists.

Due to the team's travel schedule, which had the squad depart for Germany following the game, a complete game report and the box score will be posted later tonight.

i was trying to watch marbury's left hand dribble bc i remember him saying he was gonna work on that this summer, guess he hasn't started yet.

he was just mechanical with his handling, nothing out of the ordinary, no slick crossovers, he had a few turnovers, but nice passes also. wade outplayed him in my opinion.

Marbs looked okay. I was most impressed by Melo, Wade and Shawn Marion. Steph and Marion look like they know exactly what the other one is going to do out there, it's very cool to see.

It'd be sweet to get Matrix, but that's probably a pipe dream. Though, if Marbury can ever play enough with Tim, Sweets and Allan, it'd be a lot of fun to see the stuff they could come up with.