Rio 2016: Team USA outlasts Spain, punches ticket to gold medal game
Team USA used a dominant defensive effort against Spain to earn their third consecutive trip to the gold medal game in Olympics men’s basketball
Every time that Team USA and Spain cross paths, it’s going to be a massive deal for international basketball. However, when it happens in the Olympic Games, it’s an even bigger deal. So adding the stakes of the winner of the Team USA vs Spain matchup earning a berth in the gold medal game from Rio 2016 only made it even more incredible.
Despite being questionable entering the game due to injury, Pau Gasol came out of the gate swinging for Spain. Unfortunately for the Spanish side, it seemed as if no one else knew the game tipped off at 2:30 p.m. ET. Gasol accounted for 12 of the 17 points that they scored in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Team USA squad didn’t struggle offensively as they jumped out to a nine-point lead.
However, things looked like they might get a bit dire near the end of the first half for Team USA after both Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins picked up three fouls in the first 20 minutes. Lucky for them, Klay Thompson and DeAndre Jordan were ready to shoulder the load with the two stars in foul trouble.
The Americans maintained their lead going into halftime and even through the third quarter. However, a quiet Durant and Carmelo Anthony never joined Thompson to put the Spanish away. Thus, they hung around in the fourth quarter and at least attempted to make things interesting with some late threes. However, the stifling defense of Team USA was ultimately enough. Holding Spain to just 39 percent shooting, the Americans secured the 82-76 win to move on to the gold medal game.
Three Stars
DeAndre Jordan, Team USA – 9 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, two assists, one steal
Pau Gasol, Spain – 23 points, eight rebounds, one steal, one block, two assists
Klay Thompson, Team USA – 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block
Next Game
Team USA will now move on to the gold medal game on Sunday where they’ll face the winner of Australia vs Serbia. Spain will also play on Sunday, in the bronze medal game against the loser of the second semifinal.