But Carmelo Anthony’s contributions to Team USA’s second consecutive gold medal shouldn’t be ignored.
Even with an uneven performance against Spain (eight points, 3-for-9 shooting), Anthony was Team USA’s third-best scorer, averaging 16.3 points per game off of the bench.
And he did his damage with an incredible efficiency.
Prior to the United States’ 107-100 win in the gold-medal game, Anthony had averaged a little over 48 points per 48 minutes, including an astounding eight 3-pointers per 48.
LONDON (Reuters) – The United States beat an inspired Spain 107-100 in a fast-paced match to win the Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball at North Greenwich Arena on Sunday. With Kevin Durant leading the way with 30 points, the U.S. retained their Olympic title in a rematch of their closely-fought 2008 final in Beijing. Both teams pushed the ball upcourt in nonstop action to the roaring delight of the 20,000 fans packed in to see the gold medal game and were separated by just one point at halftime. The U.S. …
LONDON (Reuters) – The U.S. men’s basketball team expect their toughest test in what could be a match-up nightmare for the reigning champions when they face Spain on Sunday in a replay of their 2008 Games final. It promises a contrast of size versus speed, with a close-knit team of brothers on the two-times running European champions from Spain going against a fast-bonding group of NBA All-Stars representing the United States. Led by LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, the U.S. …
LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) – The U.S. men’s basketball teamexpect their toughest test in what could be a match-up nightmarefor the reigning champions when they face Spain on Sunday in areplay of their 2008 Games final. It promises a contrast of size versus speed, with aclose-knit team of brothers on the two-times running Europeanchampions from Spain going against a fast-bonding group of NBAAll-Stars representing the United States. Led by LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, the U.S. …
A collection of the greatest basketball players in the world, playing together on the same team and representing the United States of America won their semifinals matchup and will be playing for a gold medal in a competition that comes around only once every four years. Spain did the same, beating Russia to face the United States. Sadly this was not the big story in the American basketball world. If not that, then what was?
LONDON (Reuters) – Spain are in no danger of turning up just for the trip in Sunday’s gold medal game against a United States team that has dominated the Olympic Games basketball tournament. LeBron James and Co. strolled past the European champions in a pre-tournament match in Barcelona but Spain’s trio of big men has always been seen as the best bet to push a U.S. side that is big on talent but short of a recognized centre. “They are a great team but it’s the Olympics final. Anything can happen,” Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon told reporters after Spain eased past Russia into the final. …
Carmelo Anthony and the U.S. men’s basketball team will tip off against Argentina today in the Olympics semifinals at North Greenwich Arena.
Last time out the United States won by a final score of 126-97, but led by just a point at halftime.
Bad blood still surfaces between the two squads.
Argentina backup point guard Facundo Campazzo belted Anthony in the groin, believing Team USA point guard Chris Paul threw a punch at him in the first half.
“Were ready for it,” Anthony said of the rough play. “We know what’s at stake. We know they’re going to throw everything at us. And they’re in the way of our journey. We know what’s at stake. Tonight will be as big as a game as we’ll every play.”
Michael Mitarotonda, theKnicksBlog.com
At this point I believe the United States views Argentina as their biggest challenge, even bigger than Spain. With Argentina’s physical style of play there is no doubt that this game will be chippy. From a Knicks fan point of view lets just hope that Carmelo Anthony stays healthy. The last thing we need is for his sore hamstring to act up during the regular season. Lets go USA!
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
LeBron James’ triple-double helped lead the United States to victory over Australia, but if the U.S. is to move on to the gold-medal game, it will need the 3-pointers to fall against Argentina.
After a scare against Lithuania, the United States men’s basketball team has cruised to victories over Argentina and Australia, and continues a quest for its 14th gold medal in the 17 Olympics in which the United States has played men’s basketball.
