Team USA's "Dream Team" is hoping to rebound after a close game against Lithuania last Saturday. Team USA won 99-94 at the 2012 London Olympics, the closest margin of victory for the "Dream Team" so far.
"Lithuania, they came out, played extremely well. They almost played perfect yesterday and they kind of caught us off-guard a little bit, you know, had us on our heels for a moment," said Carmelo Anthony during training on Sunday. "So today is definitely a tune-up day for us, get in here and practice, get back on the practice court, get some things done."
To live up to the "Dream Team" title, the Americans will face Argentina and with a familiar face ready to end Team USA's winning streak. Three NBA players are playing for the Argentinian team, notably San Antonio Spurs' Emanuel (Manu) Ginobili.
Back in the exhibition games before the Olympics started, Team USA and Argentina faced each other in a close game with a six point margin of victory, in favor of Team USA (86-80).
During Olympic play, Argentina has won three of their four Group A games, losing to France 71-64. Team USA has been undefeated. The close game with Lithuania might have been the wakeup call for Team USA and Coach Mike Krzyzewski ahead of facing the Argentine team.
"What we wanted to do is to get to a point, the last week of the Olympics where we were healthy, together and we knew who we were, and we're there," said Krzyzewski. "We could have played much better in the game (Saturday), also we couldn't have played any better than the game before. So where we're at today is where we had hoped we would be."
According to bookies, Team USA is predicted to win with a comfortable margin.
The Team USA vs. Argentina game can be viewed here, starting at 5:15 p.m. EDT.
Team USA Roster:
Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams.
Team Argentina Roster:
Facundo Campazzo, Carlos Delfino, Manu Ginobili, , Juan Gutierrez, Leonardo Gutierrez, Hernan Jasen, Federico Kammerichs, Martin Leiva, Marcos Mata, Andres Nocioni, Pablo Prigioni, Luis Scola,
Men’s Basketball Olympic Schedule (After Today’s Final Group Play):
Quarterfinals - Aug. 8, Between 9 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. EDT
Semifinals - Aug. 10, Between 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. EDT
Bronze Medal Game - Aug. 12, 6 a.m. EDT
Gold Medal Game - Aug. 12, 10 a.m. EDT
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