Olympics Men’s Basketball Semifinals: USA vs Spain
Entering the 2016 Rio Olympics, the hope for the men’s basketball tournament for all fans hoping for a great game was that Team USA and Spain would wind up squaring off. Though it’s not for the gold medal, that’s where we are on Day 14 of the Games on Friday, August 19. In the semifinals, it’ll be USA vs Spain to determine who goes to play in the gold medal game.
After three games where Team USA struggled mightily to end the group stage, but still escaped with a win, the Americans opened up play against Argentina on Wednesday in the quarterfinals and earned a runaway victory. Now Kevin Durant and Paul George will be trying to replicate that type of performance against their most talented opponent yet. The key for the United States, though, will be focusing for 40 minutes on the defensive end of the floor and locking Spain down.
For the Spanish, they first want great play from their guards. Sergio Llull and Sergio Rodriguez will need to lead the way in the backcourt, which will in turn open up the floor for the likes of Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol—if the latter even plays. Either way, Spain is the most talented team that Team USA has played just yet and this matchup should be incredible.
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Details for USA vs Spain in the men’s basketball semifinals on Friday are below:
Date: Friday, August 19
Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Arena: Carioca Arena 1
TV Info: NBCSN, Olympics Basketball Channel
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com
NBCSN will broadcast this matchup on Friday afternoon, but the game will be simulcast on the Olympics Basketball Channel. Live streaming will also be available through NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app. Log in to either service using a cable or satellite subscription to access the stream.