SAPPORO, Japan, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The United States beat Puerto Rico, 111-100, in Japan Saturday in the first game of the World Basketball Championships.
Carmelo Anthony scored a team-high 21 points.
The contest was played at Sapporo, one of three sites in Japan.
The Denver Nuggets forward added three assists and two rebounds.
Kirk Hinrich and LeBron James each scored 15 points; James had six rebounds and six assists; Dwyane Wade had 13 points, two blocked shots, and three turnovers; and Chris Paul had 11 points and nine assists.
"We have to understand that everybody that plays against us plays like they have nothing to lose," said U.S. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who was disappointed with his team's defense. "Puerto Rico made some big threes, so you have to pressure their shots more because there is no pressure on them when they are shooting the ball."
Carlos Arroyo scored 23 points for Puerto Rico, Elias Ayuso had 14 and Christian Dalmau added 13 points.
