The United States of America will need to improve their effort and consistency when they take on Argentina in the quarter-final of the Rio Olympics. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:45am (AEST).
The USA have that much talent on their team you would think they have won every game so far in a blowout, however it just wasn’t that easy for them.
After the first two games against the weakest team in Group A – Venezuela and China and both being blowouts to the effect of 50-odd points they have struggled to show any domination.
It all kicked off with a game against the Boomers where they were down at halftime and scrapped through by ten – from there Serbia and France have also taken them all the way to the wire and they look like a team relying on talent alone – or in other words becoming very complacent.
Their defence has been stationary, and attack not much better. They have taken low percentage shots more often than not and simply refuse to get physical in the paint.
In saying that, they have so many shooters. Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving just to name a few – if Argentina’s defence doesn’t rotate and switch perfectly, they will give up a lot of open shots.
If you are to beat the USA, it is generally acknowledged you must keep them to under 100 points – and that isn’t going to happen if wide open shots are being given up left, right and centre.
On the other hand, Argentina started their Group B campaign in very strong fashion with a pair of wins over Nigeria and Croaita. The win against Nigeria was fantastic before they hung on well against Croatia.
They would then drop a game to Lithuania before defeating Brazil and losing by 19 to Spain which was an issue.
Their defence was very weak throughout the match, and they were equally bad on offence taking poor options. However, at the same time they have played quality basketball for four matches with the likes of Luis Scola and Facundo Campazzo playing great basketball.
Argentina are though, outmatched in every single key statistic for this match.
Prediction
It’s impossible to tip against the USA – they are the best team in the world but Argentina could trouble them. They have had a lot of tough matches in Group B and that will leave them in good stead. Consider the complacency of the Americans as well and don’t be surprised if it’s very close through the first three-quarters.
USA by 5.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this men’s quarter-final from 7:45pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment below.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The full time report will follow shortly - just have a few things to take care of. That does wrap up The Roar's live coverage of the third men's basketball quarter-final at the Rio Olympics as the United States of America recorded a commanding victory over Argentina. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. Still plenty happening on The Roar as always, with the athletics ongoing - you can follow that with Jarrod McGrouther right here - http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/08/18/olympics-athletics-day-6-live-updates-blog/ In terms of Basketball the women's semi-finals are tomorrow morning, and I'll be back on board for both men's semi-finals on Saturday Morning from 4:30am (AEST). Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stats leaders United States of America Points: Kevin Durant (27), Paul George (17), DeMarcus Cousins (15), Kyrie Irving (11) Assists: Kevin Durant (6) Rebounds: Paul George (8), Kevin Durant (7), Kyle Lowry (6) Argentina Points: Luis Scola (15), Manu Ginobili (14), Facundo Campazzo (13), Andres Nocioni (12) Assists: Facundo Campazzo (9), Manu Ginobili (7) Rebounds: Luis Scola (10), Andres Nocioni, Nicolas Laprovittola (5)
Scott Pryde
Expert
You had to wonder after the first six minutes, but yes it does look something like that. Argentina didn't do themselves many favours, but the USA look like they are going to be hard to stop.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Statistics 2-point field goals: USA (54%), Argentina (47%) 3-point field goals: USA (33%), Argentina (25%) Free-throws: USA (71%), Argentina (83%) Offensive Rebounds: USA (17), Argentina (11) Defensive Rebounds: USA (37), Argentina (32) Total Rebounds: USA (54), Argentina (43) Assists: USA (21), Argentina (23) Turnovers: USA (11), Argentina (16) Steals: USA (8), Argentina (6) Blocks: USA (6), Argentina (2) Fouls: USA (20), Argentina (15) Fast break points: USA (24), Argentina (19) Points in the paint: USA (50), Argentina (38)
AJ Mithen
Expert
Looks like the USA have switched to playoffs mode.... Uh oh.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Quarter-by-Quarter scoring breakdown 1st Quarter USA 25 - Argentina 21 2nd Quarter USA 31 - Argentina 19 3rd Quarter USA 31 - Argentina 21 4th Quarter USA 18 - Argentina 17 FULLTIME United States of America 105 Argentina 78
Scott Pryde
Expert
So, USA now go onto play Spain in the semi-finals, while Australia will face the winner of Serbia and Croatia which is to be played a little bit later this morning.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers? Full report and stats to come.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, Argentina will go into a changing of the guard now with their experienced men stepping aside from the international stage. But the USA! Wow! They started slowly, but it didn't take them long to find their form and they virtually held a 20-point plus lead for most of the last three quarters.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME America take a shot clock violation but there are still 2.4 seconds to go. Coaches shaking hands but they have to play it out. Nocioni will take a shot from halfcourt and that'll do it. An incredibly good performance from the Americans and they advance to the semi-finals with flying colours. USA - 105 Argentina - 78
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Harrison Barnes gets himself on the board now as well - all 12 have scored a point. USA - 105 Argentina - 78
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Quick miss for the Americans, then a turnover as Argentina bring it towards halfway and clear him for takeoff! DEROZAN WITH A HUGE JAM! USA - 102 Argentina - 78
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Delfino makes a three now. USA - 100 Argentina - 76
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' DeRozan now banks in a shot to open his scoring account before Delfino with a miss - DeRozan with another now as he puts on a nice move and then puts up the fase away. Manu Ginobili to the bench. His last Olympic Arena and a standing ovation from the crowd, the Americans. Everyone. USA - 100 Argentina - 73
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Ginobili makes one. USA - 96 Argentina - 73
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Missed shot from the post for Green before Ginobili gets into the paint with a drive and he is fouled on the shot. USA - 96 Argentina - 72
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Scola makes one. USA - 96 Argentina - 72
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Argentina have the ball tipped out of play before Ginobili goes to Scola and he is fouled by Lowry on the shot. Free throws to come. USA - 96 Argentina - 71
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Quick foul against Butler before Scola is open and he misses from deep. USA - 96 Argentina - 71
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Ginobili with a pass outside to Nocioni who misses the three before Lowry lays it in. USA - 96 Argentina - 71