The U.S. National Team was able to defeat Russia 89-68 on Sunday morning U.S. time, but things were not as easy as they have been in the past.

Kobe Bryant led the Americans with 19 points, including a 360 dunk which rose the Chinese crowd to their feet. Carmelo Anthony added 17, and Dwyane Wade continued his strong play of late with 16.

For the Russians, American born point guard J.R. Holden played well to finish with 17 points while Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko led his team with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

The Americans next play against Andrew Bogut and the Australian Boomers on Tuesday morning.  It will be the last pre-Olympic game for the U.S. before they take on China in their Olympic opener on August 10.