Spain is eliminated in the quarterfinals of the men’s basketball at the Tokyo Olympics by Team USA with 95-81 at Saitama Super Arena. The American has reached the semifinals to either face Argentina or Australia. Kevin Durant scored 29 points to strengthen his side.
Nothing but net. 🏀#USABMNT knocks Spain out 95–81 to advance to the semifinals. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/qFOAbZNDQH
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 3, 2021
Americans and Spaniards played for Olympic gold in the year 2008 and 2012. Both the teams confronted each other in 2016.
For the reigning World Cup champions Spain, it took down external of the seeded pool as they learned it was accountable to a conceivable fixture with the reigning Olympic champion the USA as they got defeated against Slovenia at the group play finale on Sunday. An hour later, FIBA clenched the draw and set the matchup.
Team USA started with an early lead of 7-2 as Lillard pinned the triple while Ricky Rubio, who ended being the game-high scorer gave 13 for Spain’s 17 points and they managed to tie 19-19. Kevin Durant then contributed with seven points buy the Spaniards got the first break and they stepped forward with a three-point lead. They shot the ball satisfactorily in the initial stages of the 10 minutes and went 9-of-9 from the field.
From being down to 11 points, Americans managed to tie with the opponent while only three minutes were left into halftime. Both tied with 43-43. While in the second half, despite Rubio who scored 38 points with his brilliant performance couldn’t supervise his side in front of the opponents who became much better while their all players came in touch on the ball.
Kevin Durant, who ended being the top scorer in the history of the USA men’s basketball in the previous game vs the Czech Republic, directed the team with his outstanding contribution to grab a spot in the Olympic Games semifinals.
Despite, Rubio’s great performance, consecutive buckets from Jrue Holiday in the final minutes ended all hope for the Spanish team.
USA Starting LineUp: Lillard, Holiday, Booker, Durant, Adebayo.
Spain Starting LineUp: Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, Victor Claver, Marc Gasol, Alberto Abalde.
