But after getting a huge fright against Australia’s ball-moving machine then wins by identical 100-97 scores against Serbia and France (with Tony Parker resting), everyone is taking potshots at the Americans, who no doubt favor National Basketball Association title trophies over Olympic gold medals (no LeBron James, no Stephen Curry, no Russell Westbrook).
Advertisement
“I still think they are the favorites for sure, but after what happened in the last two or three games, yes, there are some doubts”, said Ginobili, Argentina’s third-leading scorer, averaging 15.2 points. The United States was awarded the silver medal, which the Americans famously refused, as none of the players showed up to accept their medals at the ceremony in Munich. Unlike the 1972 game, there were no referee or clock miscues – the United States was simply beaten with no controversy. And anyway, Team USA managed to pull away in that contest for a well-earned, nothing-to-be-ashamed-of 98-89 win.
France’s defeat to Australia now seems like a long time ago.
The United States, especially their starting unit, has allowed a parade of cuts to the rim for layups.
Luckily for the Americans, this time they could count on offense from Thompson to get them through.
More than a tinge of angst surrounds the USA, but the rest of the field still considers the Americans the favorite to win gold.
Josh Akognon led Nigeria with 16 points. In 1988, the worldwide teams were as good or better than a team made of college players. Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant said that the Olympics is not going to be easy every time for the Team USA.
France (+2500) and Serbia (+2500) certainly proved that they can hang with Team USA, having little trouble scoring points.
“This isn’t a tournament that we’re going to just dominate”, Paul George said, via the Associated Press.
If the United States meets Spain in the elimination rounds, they’ll be glad FIBA’s No. 2 ranked team is playing without two-time All-Star Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka.
Inserting Green at center might not be the change Team USA needs to make. Against Australia and Serbia, the offense was an issue. Scola (8.0 rpg) is the third-best rebounder at the Games.
The backcourt pairing is being boosted by Andrew Bogut, who has played like a jilted lover frantically getting in shape to show their ex what they’re missing.
Rounding things out are Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes, who have scored with reasonable efficiency and helped out on defense.
Maybe it’s because this group of players aren’t capable of doing so – though that’s hard to believe.
France kicked off group play with a loss to an Australian team that, while still disappointing, looks much less bad given how well the Boomers continue to play.
So does France have a few tricks up its sleeve? A vulnerability has been exposed compared to other big tournaments. If Parker is healthy and France can step up on defense, it could easily medal.
The last seed in any tournament setting is usually touted as the chum used to prepare the sharks. For us, it’s just figuring out how we’re going to win.
Bogdanovic has been shooting 41.2 percent from distance in the Olympics and his backcourtmate Milos Teodosic has been slinging five assists per game for the Serbians. The Americans continue their journey with breathtaking victories against Serbia and France, where they only win by three points.
Advertisement
Whatever Group B team ends up with Serbia to start knockout play may win, but they are going to have to earn it.
