USA Men’s Basketball Team Is Just Squeaking Through Rio

When it comes to basketball, the United States expects to win. And win big.

After two games that were closer than expected, the U.S. men’s Olympic team regained its form and, after a slow start, disassembled Argentina 105-78 on Wednesday night.

Argentina started with some hot shooting and led 19-9 while the U.S. missed 10 of its first 12 shots. But the Americans finished the first quarter with a 16-2 run that they eventually stretched to 27-2 and knocked the Argentines, a well-stocked team with veteran notables such as Manu Ginobili and Andres Nocioni, out of the Olympics for the third straight time. The U.S. has now won 23 consecutive games in the Olympics dating to their loss to Argentina in the semifinals in 2004 when Argentina won the gold medal.

History didn’t motivate them so much as playing to their capabilities.

“Our whole thing was dominating,” Carmelo Anthony said.

“We played with passion and energy,” said Kevin Durant, who led the U.S. with 27 points.

Next up: A semifinal on Friday against Spain, which is a rematch of the last two gold-medal games. Spain beat France 92-67 to get within two wins of the gold. The other semifinal matches Australia and Serbia.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman