The United States and Spain will meet in an Olympics semifinals rematch of the last two gold medal games to determine which team advances to the championship in Rio. Here are three key battles to watch in the semifinal.
Although Spain started the men’s basketball tournament of the 2016 Rio Olympics by losing its first two games to Croatia and Brazil, it has been arguably the most impressive team of the tournament over the last four games.
Spain lost the first two games by a combined three points, but won its next four easily, outscoring opponents 389-286.
Although the United States are 6-0 in competition, three of its wins went down to the wire, including a three-point victory over France, the same team Spain just beat by 25 points in Wednesday’s quarterfinal.
Whichever team wins the other semifinal match between Australia and Serbia will advance to the gold medal game, but Spain is arguably the toughest opponent of the entire tournament for the U.S.
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The U.S. won the 2008 gold medal against Spain game by 11 points and won the 2012 rematch by seven. However, those teams were much different, particularly on the U.S. side.
Team USA only has two returning Olympians on the 2016 roster, while 10 of its players are making their Olympic debuts.
Meanwhile, Spain has a nice mix of seasoned veterans, still playing at a high level, and a few young contributors that have given the team a lift at various points of the tournament.
Analysts and pundits have discussed the long list of stars who are not playing for Team USA in 2016, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden; but Spain is missing one of its most important players as well in Marc Gasol.
These teams knew long ago that they would have to make due with the players who were willing and able to participate. Although they’re not meeting in the gold medal game, this could essentially be the championship for both teams.
That’s not to discount Serbia or Australia, but regardless of the outcome, both of these teams will be the favorites in the final round of the tournament. Let’s take a look at three battles to watch between these talented teams.
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