Basketball Daily

The U.S. Men’s Team trampled through a truly spirited Spain team on Sunday finishing with a score of 118-107.  The U.S. was trailing at one point by 14 points in the second quarter.  Determination and commitment would not let them get down.  They started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to get the game within 2 points.  Now it was Kobe time, scoring 13 points and dishing out 2 assists.  The game was very close most of the fourth, as Spain fought tooth and nail to stay in it.  Inevitably it was Kobe Bryant who hit a runner down the lane to seal the victory.

Dwayne Wade led all scorers with a final of 27 points on 9 for 12 shooting.  Kobe Bryant had 20, Lebron James had 14, and Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul pitched in with 13 points each.

Congratulations to the USA for capturing the gold medal, it was well earned.

The USA team started the game on fire with a 18-0 run during the first quarter, with the help of Manu Ginobili re-injuring his left ankle.  The U.S. led by 21 points at one time in the first, but with Andres Nocioni hitting a buzzer beater they ended up with a 19 point lead going into the second quarter.

During the middle of the second quarter, U.S. was playing lackadaisical and there defense was not up to par, allowing Argentina to go on a 14-3 and a 9-2 run, to cut the lead to 9 at the half.  Early in the third, the USA team took control and never let up.  During the last half of the game, the U.S. was never threatened, finishing with a score of 101-81.

Carmelo Anthony led the team with 21 points on 13-13 free throw shooting.  Lebron James had 15 points and Kobe Bryant finished with 12 points.

The U.S. Men’s Senior National Team will play on Sunday for the gold medal against Spain.  The U.S. has already beat Spain before in pool play by 37 points.  If they stick to their guns, the USA should take home the gold this year.

In Beijing, China on August 20th, the USA team demolished Australia to advance to the next round by winning by 31 points, in a score of 116-85.  Kobe Bryant led the team with 25 points on 14 out of 23 field goals made.  Lebron James was the runner up with 16 points on 8 out of 15 shooting.  The USA men scored 19 unanswered points that started late in the second quarter and continued the run into the beginning of the third, which blew the game wide open.  The team ended up shooting a fantastic 56% overall for the game.

Argentina, the reigning Olympic champions will face the USA team on Friday, August 22nd.  The semifinals match will force the USA team to be at the top of there game.  I expect this game will go down to the wire, with the ball in Kobe’s hands!