The victory marked the end of an era for Argentina.
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With about four minutes remaining in the game and the US leading by more than 20 points, Argentina’s Head Coach gave the Argentine fans once last chance to see the last four members of the Golden Generation play together, when he inserted Ginobili, Brooklyn Nets forward Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni and Carlos Delfino to play out the game one last time after their storied success over the years together for Argentina.
No doubt all eyes will still be on Team USA, who have maintained an unbeaten record so far and are favourites to win the gold medal. The Argentinians were clear and away the better team in that tournament. The feisty point guard showed no fear. Anthony was in early foul trouble and scored seven points, shooting 3-of-10.
The American women were much more successful in the 100 hurdles as Brianna Rollins led the country’s first sweep of the event with teammates Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin. They moved the ball well, stood firm on defense in the post and used superior guard speed to force turnovers. As has been the case, there was foul trouble, this time for Anthony, and turnovers from Irving and Klay Thompson. Kevin Durant leads the way with 18 points.
Yes, the guys in red, white and blue fell behind by 10 points early.
“I just didn’t care about the outcome of the game”, Durant said.
In a battle of the sexes, DeMarcus Cousins of team US says that Brittney Griner is delusional in thinking that she could beat him in a one-on-one. Campazzo, who got anywhere he wanted against Irving, was locked up by George.
Three-point plays by Cousins and Jimmy Butler around Durant’s 3-pointer in an 11-0 start to the second made it 36-21 before Facundo Campazzo stopped the onslaught with a three-point play.
Team USA’s most recent victory extended its winning streak to 23 in Olympic play.
Argentina was a longshot to medal in Rio, and then had the misfortune to be matched up with the United States of America in the quarterfinals (they didn’t have the size and athleticism to keep pace with the Americans). There was no room for the Argentines to shoot from distance, their strength. It happens. But the United States has won the past two Olympic titles and figures to claim a third straight gold Sunday as long as it remembers to play with energy and passion. Spain has to hit the outside shot in order to have a chance here.
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“We always felt we had another level to go to, especially after the last three games in the pool play”. “That’s the big difference”. The start of the second quarter was much of the same. “We really played hard tonight, and that was great to see”. “It was a wakeup call for us”. Paul George added 17 points and 8 rebounds and DeMarcus Cousins scored 15 points. But by and large, this win was all KD.
