Most experts and fans are assuming that team U.S. will easily get away with Argentina who are recognised as “Golden Generation” with Andres Nocioni, Luis Scola and Manu Ginobili growing old. “The only way you get better is by playing these tough games, so relief I would not use, I’d say we were just better tonight and more of who we can be”.
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Argentina’s Manu Ginobili (5) works the ball around United States’ Carmelo Anthony (15) during a men’s quarterfinal round basketball game at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. George was assigned to Argentinian point guard Facundo Campazzo after Campazzo had sparked his team’s fast start, and contained him the rest of the half. REUTERS/Jim Young FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. If they aren’t, it’s going to take a lot to beat this United States team.
‘What was wrong with the United States?’ basketball fans asked. It was also the best performance since a blowout win against Venezuela in the second game of pool play, with the Americans showing an increased effort, especially on the defensive end. After all, they had done it before.
Durant and his teammates certainly did that. As such, it was a sad way to end what had been a glorious era in Argentine basketball, as those four players probably won’t be ever returning to the Olympics due to their advanced age. Team USA never looked back and remained undefeated in the basketball tournament in Rio. Team USA didn’t look back.
“The only thing that we changed was our passion and our energy”, said Durant.
Spain reached the gold-medal match against the U.S. in the past two Olympics, but looked in trouble in Rio after losing its first two games. Scola in particular was a key part in helping Argentina jump out to their 19-9 lead. Each missed US shot drew an even bigger roar. “We got all the talent in the world”.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski started Deandre Jordan in place of DeMarcus Cousins at center, and Cousins responded with 15 points off the bench.
They were undefeated in group play, but their last few wins had come in very close games, and for a team accustomed to blowing out opponents, it was a bit alarming.
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“I got away from that the last couple of games, but I just always try to stay conscious of just smiling out there, having fun”. The team overwhelmed France 92-67 in the quarterfinals, with the Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Mirotic scoring 23 points. Team USA will now face Spain in the semifinals on August 19 at 3 p.m.
