That Argentina team was both long and strong inside rather than the slender, shorter, finesse-framed group that was dominated on the boards by the Americans on Wednesday, losing the rebound battle 54-43 after being overwhelmed 45-29 early in the fourth quarter.
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Ginobili scored 14 points in his final game in Argentina’s blue and white, tearing up after receiving applause from his fans and warm wishes from his opponents.
If you can’t beat ’em, jeer ’em.
Should Draymond Green get more playing time with Team USA?
The US’s NBA stars will face Argentina’s ageing but still scrappy “golden generation” in a compelling grudge match in the Rio Games basketball knockout phase.
That doesn’t mean Barkley is all wrong about this team, or that it might not still encounter serious opposition in its remaining time in Rio.
In a final farewell, Argentine fans congregated in the stands of the Carioca One arena to cheer him on one last time as the United States wrapped up a stinging 105-78 victory. “The effort defensively was outstanding tonight”. The Americans held off Australia by 10, then pulled out three-point victories over Serbia and France. But have no fear, Kevin Durant was here, coming up big Wednesday.
“We brought the energy and the passion tonight”, said Kevin Durant, who led all USA scorers with 27 points, including making 7 of 9 attempts beyond the 3-point line.
Collins once again had high praise for George, who added two steals and two blocks in another complete performance.
Durant had not been himself earlier in the tournament, and maybe it’s not a coincidence that the USA team had not played up to expectations – as unrealistic as that sometimes seem – while squirming through pool play undefeated.
“Every time I watch ’em I wish I was out there”, James said in an interview Thursday with ESPN. “It may be different for other players, but for me, I’m more free and more aggressive and the game is way more fun for me if I don’t care about the outcome”. I know if I go out there and be who I am, the outcome will dictate itself. I just did not play this summer.
“We couldn’t hit a shot at the beginning”, center DeAndre Jordan said.
“This is the stage he thrives on”, said US point guard Kyrie Irving. “We’ve had great, great games against them and we anticipate another great game on Friday”. “They have as much talent and done as well as anybody besides us in the world”.
For a moment, at least, it looked that way when Argentina led early in their knockout round game with the US. “When you have fans like that, it’s wonderful, man, for both teams”.
DeMar DeRozan punctuated the blowout with a 360-degree dunk late.
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Speaking after the game, Durant said that it was Team USA’s “passion (and) energy” that changed for the better in their win over Argentina.
