Team USA’s first game in the elimination rounds is complete, and needless to say, the Mike Krzyzewski-led squad came out with one of their best performances yet in Rio after they barely escaped with a 100-97 victory over France last game.
Argentina got off to a quick start, getting a much needed boost from point guard Facundo Campazzo with six early points against Kyrie Irving.
Team USA was trailing 19-9 at one point. Some of the team’s coaching staff and only one player, Carmelo Anthony, began seeing flashbacks of the 2004 upset in which Argentina topped the Americans.
But this time, Team USA rallied, ending the first quarter on a 16-2 run to take a 25-21 lead at the end of the first. It was lineups considering of bench players Paul George, Kyle Lowry, and Jimmy Butler that ultimately sparked the team, crashing the offensive glass and playing tenacious defense.
From that point forwards, it was all Team USA, led by Durant’s 27 points on 7-9 shooting from behind the arc.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game was already all but over. Warriors forward Draymond Green and former Warriors forward Harrison Barnes made their first appearances of the game, as did DeMar DeRozan (who made his first field goal with a little emphasis).
Many have criticized Team USA’s effort on the defensive end, it’s lack of ball movement, and lack of cohesive effort all around throughout its first five games in pool play. Tonight, the change in effort, heart, and appearance was noticeable.
“We played with passion and energy tonight”, Kevin Durant said after the game. “I think that’s the big difference. X’s and O’s, you know, we went over that a lot. But we played with passion and energy. Once we did that we were able to play well on the offensive end, move the ball, and defensively cover for each other.”
The flashy passes, lazy halfcourt play, and joking was put on hold. In the end, it lead to a dominating victory for Team USA, clinching a spot in the Semifinals with the impressive Spainards Friday night.
“We tend to think this is gonna be a little easier than we thought”, Durant continued. “But we came out here and teams hit us right on the mouth. It’s a wake-up call for us. We gotta use this game and try to build on it”.
Basketball fans have been waiting for this Spain-USA battle for years, and our wish will finally come true this Friday night. With both teams entering the contest with some serious momentum, this will surely be a game worth watching.
“It’s a lot of movement. Pau Gasol’s a load down there in the post”, said Durant on the Spanish National Team. “They got great guards that can penetrate, shoot, and pass. We got our work cut out for us but we’re looking forward to it”.
On a non-Team USA note, Manu Ginobili played what will likely be his final game in an Argentina uniform tonight. He’s expected to join fellow Spurs teammate Tony Parker in retiring from international play. Ginobili added 14 points for Argentina tonight, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd once he subbed out with 1:59 to go.
