Men's basketball final four secured at Rio Olympics
Xinhua, August 18, 2016 Adjust font size:
The United States defeated Argentina 105-78 here on Wednesday to enter the men's basketball semifinals at Rio Olympics.
In another game, Serbia beat Croatia 86-83 to secure another berth of the semifinal, in which it will play against Australia.
Australia had no trouble to trounce Lithuania 90-64, while Spain led all the way to crush France 92-67 for another berth in semis.
"This is my 20th year since my first game with the national team. I'm very proud. And at the same time, I'm happy - sad and happy because having the opportunity to play this game at 39, and it's not something that happens often," Manu Ginobili said.
Durant was 7-for-9 from downtown and had a game-high 27 points for the United States. Paul George had 17 and 8 rebounds. DeMarcus Cousins finished with 15. Luis Scola had 15 for Argentina and Ginobili added 14.
"It has been an incredible era. It is something very important in your life that is ending, and that means a lot, so you've got to think of so many things, and well, (it) makes me feel a little emotional," Ginobili added.
Australia buried eight three-pointers in the first half to open an over 20-point lead and extended the gap in every quarter. Patty Mills returned from injury to score 24 points to lead Australia.
In another match, European champions Spain led the first quarter by 19-16 when both teams were ready for an intense battle throughout the game. Nicola Mirotic from Chicago Bulls came out to score 16 out of his 24 points in the first half, including five three-pointers during the span, to give Spain a 43-30 lead.
Toni Parker, who did not play last game, scored 14 points and delivered four assists, which were not enough to help France recover. Endit