The Olympic results for the men's basketball semifinal games looked very familiar. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Team USA beat Argentina and Spain beat Lithuania before meeting in the gold medal game. Four years later,
Team USA once again beat Argentina while Spain beat Russia, to lead to the gold medal showdown.
As a matter of fact, it is the third Olympic Games in a row that Team USA beat Argentina in the semifinals.
But before that happened, Spain got a chance to avenge a group B loss to Russia. It was not easy for Pau Gasol and company. Unlike the earlier Russian victory, which required a come-from-behind effort, Russia led for much of the semifinal rematch. This time it was Spain who came from behind for the win.
Jose Calderon scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half and Pau Gasol finished with a game-high 16 points to help Spain make it to their second consecutive gold medal game. Marc Gasol and Rudy Fernandez each finished with 11 in the game.
After that, Spain waited to see the Team USA Olympic results to learn who their opponent in the big medal game would be. Unlike the Spain win, Team USA dominated Argentina in their game behind the impressive 18 3-pointers in the game. Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant led the way with 19 points, including five 3-pointers for the win.
"Anything less than this would have been unsatisfying for us," Carmelo Anthony said. "We believe that we could get here, and we're here now. We got one game left."
Can Spain upset Team USA in the gold medal round on August 12 or will Team USA win their 14th Gold in the Summer Olympic Games?
Image from Wikimedia Commons.





Comments: 3
Thanks for the update. At least I got to read about it!