Official Olympic Men's Basketball Thread

[Millz]

the fact USA beat Spain so bad was a big shocker for me too...I dont think there's any stopping them right now. It'll be a huge deal if they dont win the gold.

[Babe_Ruth]

IT's going to be a huge upset if they don't win the Gold Medal. Everyone is expecting them to win, and to be honest with you I'm one of those person.

But the thing is, everyone on that team is really hungry for that Gold, and they won't let any country beat them.

It's fun basketball to watch as well.

[padd]

wait so how is it that they struggled for a bronze in '04 and now only 4 years later they're unbeatble.. they still have pretty much the same nba roster?
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Argentina might beat them if they step up.. atm though I say Lithuania has the best chance of getting gold.. apart from USA

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by padd

wait so how is it that they struggled for a bronze in '04 and now only 4 years later they're unbeatble.. they still have pretty much the same nba roster?

Different players, new coach.

[Babe_Ruth]

They matured, and they've been playing together for the most part during the last three years during the off-season. So they adjusted. Also in 04 they didn't have the right players. They had Iverson and Marbury has there point guards. Now both of these players are talented, but they also like to take tons of shots. Which didn't help the U.S team at all.

Also Brown doesn't believe in playing young players, so LeBron, Carmelo where stuck on the bench. Also this team didn't have Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant. Who have great basketball I.Q and helps this team in so many different ways.

I personally don't see anyone beating this team. Argentina played a decent game against Russia today, but they blew a 17 point defecit to let the Russians come back in the game. But they stepped up at the end of the fourth quarter.

I don't see Lithuania giving the Americans a challenge. I don't even see Argentina giving this team a challenge. When the tournament started the team that I was most afraid of was Spain, and they blew them out of the water.

Now Australia are next. Everyone knows that Team U.S.A played Australia during an exbitition game and only won by ten points. Well I don't see that happening again. It should be another blow out.

[padd]

If someone beats USA it'll be riots across the Eastern Sea board.. but honestly.. give Lithuania the chance.. they basicly beat every good team and lost to Australia only because they clinched a top spot so.. As I mentioned earlier in the tournment I expect Lithuania.. Argentina and USA to do something good. Spain's had enough succes in 2008..

[Babe_Ruth]

Sorry, but if Luthiania didn't play there best against Australia because they clinched a spot in the quarter-finals, then I believe that's pathetic.

The Americans knew that clinched a spot as well, and they just went out there and beat a good Germany team by 49 points. Come on if the mentality of those Luthianians is I only play good when the game means something, then they shouldn't be in this tournament in my opinion, and it's sad.

Now don't get me wrong I respect The Luthiania National Team, their very talented, and they upset one of the favorite teams to win the Gold during there first game. But I just dont see them giving US a challenge.

Spain have a chance to make the finals, even though they got embarassed by the Americans. I still believe there the second strongest team in the tournament.

For some reason, I see a lot of weakness in Argentina. I don't think they'll make the finals.

[padd]

Sorry, but if Luthiania didn't play there best against Australia because they clinched a spot in the quarter-finals, then I believe that's pathetic.

The Americans knew that clinched a spot as well, and they just went out there and beat a good Germany team by 49 points. Come on if the mentality of those Luthianians is I only play good when the game means something, then they shouldn't be in this tournament in my opinion, and it's sad.

I think it's always smart to rest your players if you clinch a top spot... alot of teams do that. You don't wanna play your best game and risk for injury when you clinch.

[Legendlike]

Maybe Australia can beat Team USA with a healthy Bogut.

[Babe_Ruth]

Australia got destroyed by the Americans. It was a close first quarter, but then Team U.S.A just took over the game. Playing great defense and they started to drain there buckets. They also controlled most of the rebounds.

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were the two best players on the court. Bryant finished with 25 points, and James finished with 16, adding 9 rebounds and 4 steals.

The Americans will be playing Argentina next, in the Semi Finals. This should be a good game. Team U.S.A as a chip on there shoulders and they wanted to face this Argentina team, because they beat them in 04 in the semi finals.

I personally believe the Americans are just going to blow this team out of the water. I say they'll win by at least 25 points. Should be a great game none the less.