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Bogut impressive, Barnes not so much as Team USA, Australia pick up wins in Rio

Andrew Bogut once again looked good as Australia moved to 2-0 while Harrison Barnes didn't do much in his limited minutes in USA's blowout of Venezuela.

By Josh Bowe
Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Australia and Team USA both moved to 2-0 in group play of the Rio Olympics on Monday but for the representing Mavericks on each squad, it was very different performances.

Team USA overcomes slow start to overwhelm Venezuela

It was easily the most sloppy and unimpressive quarter of USA basketball this year so far during the first quarter against Venezuela, as USA ended the period tied at 18 and the Venezuelans even had a brief lead at one point.

USA woke up in the second quarter though and rolled from that point on. Paul George had 20 points off the bench to lead the way but unfortunately Harrison Barnes didn't get to do much.

He logged just under seven minutes of action, went 0-for-2 from the field and finished with four points, two rebounds and an assist. Since USA wasn't dominant from the opening tip, Barnes didn't get nearly as much garbage time minutes. He did make a decent effort to attack the rim which was nice. USA plays Australia next so I doubt Barnes gets more burn there.

Australia takes down Serbia for second win in group play

Probably the biggest surprise of the games so far is how impressive Australia has looked. Sure, they have some NBA talent on the roster, but taking down a medal favorite in France and handling an impressive Serbian frontline has been unexpected.

A big thanks to new Mavs starting center Andrew Bogut for the 2-0 start. Bogut showed up well again with a tidy nine points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks. It's hard to not get excited about Bogut after how fresh he's looked after that brutal knee sprain in the NBA Finals.

He also did this:

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