It was using a height advantage to keep the Americans from passing the ball inside to their steadiest weapon, center Lisa Leslie.
In addition, of course, Vladimir Putin has annexed Crimea and sent a steady flow of weapons and support to the rebels.
If Mr. Assad goes, any new government will note Russia's support for him, including a steady supply of weapons.
They were aided by steady supplies of weapons, fuel, medicine and food from British, French and Qatari troops and an escalated bombing campaign by NATO jets and American Predator drones.
On gun control — an issue of keen interest in Mexico because of the steady flow of weapons across the border from the United States — Mr. Obama vowed to continue his fight.
Israeli officials have warned repeatedly that they consider any opening of the border a grave threat to their security, noting that Hamas already succeeded in smuggling a steady supply of weapons even when Egypt had ostensibly sealed the crossing.
But foreign fighters with a steady flow of weapons and cash from radical Islamist donors attracted many Syrians to Nusra, which the United States labeled a terrorist organization for its connection to the Qaeda branch in Iraq.
And many analysts say that without Russia's backing, including a steady supply of weapons, food, medical supplies and other aid, the Assad government will crumble within a matter of months if not sooner.
Jabhat al-Nusra has deep pockets (thanks in part to its affiliation with Al Qaeda in Iraq), a steady source of weapons and ammunition, and a regimental, disciplined approach to the fight that has made it among the most proficient anti-Assad groups.
Her rapid ascent has been a contrast to their slow and steady climb: the Weapons spent years building a fan base and this winter signed to Interscope Records, which will release their major-label debut, "You Love You," in the spring.
