Olympics, Kevin Durant
The United States defeated Argentina in heated encounter by 126-97 to proceed to the elimination rounds. United States and Argentina were ready to turn the court into an ugly battle field for gold and glory yesterday. The match actually turned into a bad-tempered game after the first half. Nonetheless, United States kept their nerves to reach men’s quarterfinals at the 2012 London Olympics.
Players from both teams were involved in a scuffle towards the end of the first half. Eventually, players were separated and the match continued, but the fight seemed to have awoken the sleeping giant United States team.
Following an intense game against Lithuania, the United States proved they were prepared for another tough battle. United States have now won all five of their games in the preliminary phase of the tournament. The schedule for United States shows Australia, who have won three of their five games, as their next competitors. The quarterfinal between United States and Australia will take place on Wednesday.
Argentina could have finished first in Group A had they defeated United States yesterday. With the scores nearly tied 60-59 at half time; Argentina could have leapfrogged over United States. However, Kevin Durant buried Argentina under a ton of points with a spell of stunning three-pointers.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, United States led the game by 105-77. A few minutes into the fourth quarter and it became clear that United States were set for victory. Kevin Durant led United States with 28 points. He drained eight out of ten three pointers in the game. LeBron James came up with a useful 18 points.
Argentina’s best player was Manu Ginobili. The NBA icon scored 16 points to become Argentina’s top scorer in the game. Argentina are now positioned third in Group A. Brazil, who have won four of their five games, are scheduled to play against Argentina in the Olympic quarterfinals.
Leader from Group B Russia with play against Lithuania and France will battle against Spain in the other two quarterfinal games.
