“There’s talent around this world and they’re showcasing it”.
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Those questions were answered in the form of a 105-78 rout against Argentina as the USA extended their Olympic winning streak to 23 games.
And yet, the U.S.is 6-0 in Rio and back to resembling a team that can’t be beat.
While still being the favorite to win gold, many different media sources, anylysts, and even an ex-NBA player had their doubts.
If there were any remaining doubts about the type of player George was going to be after his injury, last season and these Olympic games should end that discussion for good.
Spain also looked to reach its third straight gold medal game with a victory.
It was probably the last Olympics for Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola and the rest of the Golden Generation, who beat the U.S.in the Athens semifinals en route to gold. The Americans meet Argentina in another quarterfinal with the victor facing Spain on Friday.
Turns out playing hard isn’t that hard after all.
“Tonight is the Paul George we see in the NBA”, Collins said. They won all 5 games in preliminary play, coming out on top of group A, but not without a couple close calls along the way.
Without it, these guys could lose – Friday, or Sunday.
Warriors stars Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant combined for 36 points Friday to lead the USA men’s basketball squad to a 82-76 semifinal win over Spain.
After Team USA recalibrated its program and took the embarrassment of a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics to heart, the US hit its stride of re-configuring its mindset and approach at the right time.
Still is, since Kobe Bryant is retired and LeBron James is resting comfortably back in the states. The Spaniards got easy looks at the basket and dissected a French team that came to Brazil with medal hopes but leaves empty-handed. James chose to sit this one out, understandable after leading Cleveland to an emotionally draining National Basketball Association title.
Team USA has been plagued by poor starts at the Olympics, and shaky finishes. “I just did not play this summer”. It is a very good and experienced team with a roster full of current and former National Basketball Association players.
Then came a game where Australia banged the Americans around only to fall short in the final minutes.
The team overcame a halftime deficit to topple Australia, 98-88 and barely hang on to defeat Serbia, 94-91.
Fear of embarrassment may have been a motivating factor.
Meanwhile, before going their separate ways, Tony Parker and Pau Gasol met near mid-court and the new teammates shared a warm embrace following Spain’s lopsided win.
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Argentina jumped ahead 19-9 after six minutes, relying on the game’s shortest man, 1.81m (5ft 11in) guard Facundo Campazzo, for eight points early.
