For the third straight Olympics, Team USA will be playing in the Olympic finals for the gold medal. They took care of business against Team Spain in the semifinals, winning 82-76.
The low scoring affair was marked by tremendous defense by Team USA. DeAndre Jordan had a dominant game patrolling the interior, blocking 4 shots and hauling in 16 rebounds to help Team USA win the rebounding battle 52-41.
Klay Thompson lead Team USA in scoring with 22 points, and considering how his offensive game has struggled in Rio, it’s encouraging for the team that he elevated his game when it really mattered.
17 of those 22 points came in the first half, and although Team USA had a strong 1st quarter, they were only up by 6 points at halftime.
Final: USA 82, ESP 76
The #USABMNT are on to the gold ? game @ #Rio2016!
Recap: https://t.co/v2RDpLlYu2 pic.twitter.com/oouLTbLgM4
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 19, 2016
Against a familiar opponent who has won the last two silver medals, Team USA had to be resourceful to capitalize on their chances.
Team USA is now 12-0 against Team Spain in Olympic competition, which is the most wins they have against any nation.
Of course, it’s indicative of Team Spain’s talent that these teams meet so often in the Olympics, but Team USA has clearly proven to be the superior squad.
Kevin Durant finished with 14 points, and in the process moved into 2nd place on Team USA’s all-time scoring list.
#USA now a game away from 3rd #gold in a row at #Rio2016!
? https://t.co/R5T66ljnje
? https://t.co/53UajiDoXt pic.twitter.com/9152DuJZob— FIBA (@FIBA) August 19, 2016
Teammate Carmelo Anthony is now the only player who has scored more points while wearing a USA uniform in the Olympics.
Draymond Green played just 1 minute in this game, missing a 3-pointer in his brief stint of action.
If Team USA wins the gold medal, they’ll set the program record with 76 consecutive wins, capping off the most dominant run in the storied history of USA basketball.
Team USA will play the winner of the Team Australia vs. Team Serbia game for an opportunity at their third straight gold medal, and their 6th in their last 7 Olympic chances.