IC Cold Links: Team USA Beats Russia, Faces Lithuania In Semis; Granger Sits

Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the FIBA World Championship by beating a physical Russian team yesterday, 89-79.

Kevin Durant carried the offensive load with 33 points but defense was the foundation for this win. A third quarter burst of pressure led by Russell Westbrook put the U.S. team in control with a double-digit lead they would coax home for the win.

Danny Granger was the only Team USA player to sit out the whole game although Mike Krzyzewski primarily played seven players. Eric Gordon is among those seven and tallied six points. Talent depth more than defense appear to be limiting Granger's playing time which is what Bruno reports after asking those who have been following the team closely in Istanbul.

The U.S. takes on Lithuania in the semifinals on Saturday at noon on ESPN Classic along with ESPN3 online.

After the jump, more links of interest on the WC along with an update on Mark Boyle. Boyle is still walking? Yes! While you've been getting back in the swing of school, prepping for fantasy football drafts and chilling through a multitude of perfected methods, Boyle has been walking. And he's still walking, passing the 350 mile mark yesterday. Check out his progress and donate to the Children's Wish Fund.

• 2010 World Championship: Team USA two wins from gold - ESPN
  Chris Sheridan reports on the U.S. win and Andre Iguodala unknowingly insulting the opponents in Russian even though he was speaking English.
• Durant, U.S. rout Russia, move into Worlds semifinal game | NBA.com
  John Schuhmann really liked what he saw from Team USA in their win over Russia yesterday.
• Team USA beats Russia in quarterfinals of FIBA World Championship
  Charley Rosen analyzes the U.S. win over Russia.
• Going gets tough, so Coach K gets desperate - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
  Adrian Wojnarowski shreds Coach K for his back and forth with Russian coach David Blatt. Woj seems to go off the deep end on this one. A little gamesmanship between coaches -- big deal. If anything the whole episode raised the profile of Blatt. I can't tell you who coaches the other teams the U.S. has faced but I know Blatt did a great job maximizing the play a young Russian team.
• 2010 FIBA World Championship: Lithuania beats Argentina to reach first semifinals
  Lithuania advanced to the semifinals of the basketball world championship for the first time, hitting nine of its first 11 3-pointers to beat Argentina 104-85 and set up a meeting with the United States.
• USA, Kevin Durant wear down Russians, win 89-79. Bring on the semifinals.
  Kurt Helin comments on the USA coming at opponents in waves of talent.
• Mark Boyle's Wish Walk invades Valley
  The locals in Terre Haute check in with Boyle as he passes through town.
• Kevin Pelton's Computer Goes Gaga Over Greg Oden
  Basketball Prospectus analyst Kevin Pelton projects big things for Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden.
• Wizards bring Midnight Madness to training camp
  The Washington Wizards plan to let John Wall experience something he thought left behind at Kentucky.