USA 119, Spain 82
That was not Spain’s best effort.
You could tell, at least I thought I could. If you ask me they didn’t look dejected, disappointed, humbled; didn’t look or act like a team getting routed. They were calm and cool, emotionless, unsurprised. In the first half they were competitive and participated in a little trash talking (the refs even stopped the game and gave warnings). But after a point in the second quarter the Spaniards relaxed, then went into full autopilot in the third. It had me thinking, “This is the other best team in the tournament?” My dad thought so, too.
“If that’s all they had to offer then I don’t think anyone can beat us,” he said on the phone just before the final buzzer sounded (a deeper buzz than I’m used to hearing).
I agree, though the Redeem Team has yet to play an opponent in Pool A during the Olympics. But I don’t think the Spanish played to their potential. Mike Breen and Doug Collins spoke about the medal round draws and how Spain would much rather take the low road than go through Argentina. Not only were they not shooting well, they had the wrong mentality from the start. Breen or Collins noted the Spanish believe they can beat Team USA once, but not twice. This morning was not that one time.
It also doesn’t help that the crowd is absolutely dead. There’s no energy in the arena. It gives the game that empty, unimportant feel, like it’s an early morning rec league game. Then again, how excited can you be for a 30-point game.
I will say Team USA looked good, once again. They were a little sloppy in the first two quarters, but buckled down for the remainder of the game. Everyone got a good workout and handled the ball. Despite their focus and determination, I’m hoping this game didn’t make them complacent. The Spaniards could have used a dangerous tactic, lulling the Americans into an unworried demeanor for a second game, where they will unleash their full potential. But I’m not sure LeBron and company will fall for it. They’re playing to their ability and not to their opponents.
I have picked my other favorite in the tournament, the team I would prefer to win the gold if Team USA can’t. Lithuania. I watched their game last night against Croatia and was very impressed. The Lithuanians are the only other undefeated team in pool play (which means nothing after this next game). They clawed back after early deficits (after the coach received a technical, Croatia capitalized on the awkward FIBA rules and had a five point possession!) to thoroughly dismantle the Croats. The Lithuanians aren’t flashy. They play ball — tactfully, skillfully — and I admire that a lot. During the second quarter I felt my partiality begin leaning from center toward the Lithuanians and can now be counted on their bandwagon. Their ’92 team was sponsored by the Grateful Dead, and I remember them wearing tie-dyed Deadhead shirts when they accepted their bronze medals.
You could tell, at least I thought I could. If you ask me they didn’t look dejected, disappointed, humbled; didn’t look or act like a team getting routed. They were calm and cool, emotionless, unsurprised. In the first half they were competitive and participated in a little trash talking (the refs even stopped the game and gave warnings). But after a point in the second quarter the Spaniards relaxed, then went into full autopilot in the third. It had me thinking, “This is the other best team in the tournament?” My dad thought so, too.
“If that’s all they had to offer then I don’t think anyone can beat us,” he said on the phone just before the final buzzer sounded (a deeper buzz than I’m used to hearing).
I agree, though the Redeem Team has yet to play an opponent in Pool A during the Olympics. But I don’t think the Spanish played to their potential. Mike Breen and Doug Collins spoke about the medal round draws and how Spain would much rather take the low road than go through Argentina. Not only were they not shooting well, they had the wrong mentality from the start. Breen or Collins noted the Spanish believe they can beat Team USA once, but not twice. This morning was not that one time.
It also doesn’t help that the crowd is absolutely dead. There’s no energy in the arena. It gives the game that empty, unimportant feel, like it’s an early morning rec league game. Then again, how excited can you be for a 30-point game.
I will say Team USA looked good, once again. They were a little sloppy in the first two quarters, but buckled down for the remainder of the game. Everyone got a good workout and handled the ball. Despite their focus and determination, I’m hoping this game didn’t make them complacent. The Spaniards could have used a dangerous tactic, lulling the Americans into an unworried demeanor for a second game, where they will unleash their full potential. But I’m not sure LeBron and company will fall for it. They’re playing to their ability and not to their opponents.
I have picked my other favorite in the tournament, the team I would prefer to win the gold if Team USA can’t. Lithuania. I watched their game last night against Croatia and was very impressed. The Lithuanians are the only other undefeated team in pool play (which means nothing after this next game). They clawed back after early deficits (after the coach received a technical, Croatia capitalized on the awkward FIBA rules and had a five point possession!) to thoroughly dismantle the Croats. The Lithuanians aren’t flashy. They play ball — tactfully, skillfully — and I admire that a lot. During the second quarter I felt my partiality begin leaning from center toward the Lithuanians and can now be counted on their bandwagon. Their ’92 team was sponsored by the Grateful Dead, and I remember them wearing tie-dyed Deadhead shirts when they accepted their bronze medals.
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