Live Coverage Team USA vs. Argentina
Kobe (photo. Chris Sembrot)We now know one team that’s going to the gold medal game. Do we know another? The entire Dime office is around the TV for Team USA’s second shot at revenge. The Americans went after Greece will a fervor that we hadn’t seen up to that point.
Even though Argentina struggled to beat the Greeks in their quarterfinal game, they create some really tough matchup problems. Luis Scola is bigger than ‘Melo on the block. Kobe’s got to deal with Manu’s crafty lefty game (and flopping).
* If the Rockets played the Cavs, would they ever put Luis Scola on LeBron? That sounds like a terrible idea. But that’s the matchup that Argentina has started with in this one.
* Andres Nocioni will play despite team doctors telling him not to because of a swollen elbow. The Bulls can’t be happy about this.
* Pablo Prigioni, the Argentine point guard, is the only non-NBA starter on Team Argentina. But he’s a legit one. He’s the reason that Suns incoming guard Goran Dragic couldn’t see the floor at Tau Ceramica. The Prigioni/Tiago Splitter duo is dirty in the Euroleague.
* Why is Coach K such a great coach? Because of the amazing set plays coming out of dead balls and timeouts - among other things. Kobe got an open look from three that he banged in off of an out-of-bounds play.
* Thanks to thong-wearing Craig Sager, we just heard that Team USA prepped for this game by having Johnny Dawkins (left-handed former Duke great) play against the Americans as Manu does. Kobe chased him around all practice long, and Dawkins is nearly in a wheelchair.
* ESPN’s Chris Sheriden wrote yesterday that Argentina prided themselves on not playing any zone in the Olympics up to this point. And over the course of Team USA’s 21-4 sprint out of the gates, they stayed true to that. But after a timeout following an 18-0 run, Argentina switched up to a 2-3. However, that hasn’t stopped the bloodletting. Deron Williams knocked down a corner three off of great ball rotation, and then Carmelo stepped into a triple from 23-feet out. Hold this, Argentina.
* Manu has walked off the court and into the tunnel. He was holding his ankle, but it wasn’t like we could see one play where he got hurt.
* The FedEx guy just walked in, we offered him to sit down and watch, and he simply said, “I know Team USA is going to win.”
* How good is Chris Paul? Kobe was asked recently about CP3 and he said something to the effect of, “I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was that good.” Paul is 4-4 from the field for 9 points right now, and he’s getting in the lane so easily.
* At 6:59, it’s right now or never for Argentina. Nocioni just tossed a Kobe reverse dunk for Argentina’s first highlight of the game. And Prigioni came back on the other end to sink a triple off of a nice down screen. They actually have some momentum right now.
* Is this the time for Coach K to go to Michael Redd? Team Argentina has settled into their zone a bit, looking far more comfortable now than they were when they first made the switch from man. But the American shooters still have a small window to shoot when the ball swings to the wing. Kobe missed a trey and Deron passed up another open look. Is it that Redd plays such horrific defense that Coach K can’t put him in?
* Argentina has ripped off a 16-3 run thanks to some hard-nosed D to bring them back within single digits. Team USA is ice cold from the field right now, and they seem to be taking all the shots that they don’t want to take. They haven’t gotten anything on the fast break since Argentina’s switch to zone, and haven’t gotten any easy looks. It’s amazing that Argentina hasn’t played this zone before - they’re rotating so well on it.
* Kobe just gave the Deke finger wag after sticking a three at the top of the key. He came back on the next possession locked in - there was nothing in the world that could have stopped him from taking a three. Unfortunately he missed it.
* We just figured out why Coach K waited until mid-way through the second quarter to go to Redd. He pounded the ball into the ground 20 times before throwing a wild pass to Chris Paul, thereby forcing a turnover. When Redd’s in the game, the ball has to move around the perimeter and through the paint for him to get an open look.
* For the first time all Olympics, we’ve seen Team USA look out of sync on defense. Argentina cut the lead to six on a number of American defensive mixups. Chris Paul got caught guarding one of the Gutierrez’s on the block, and Tayshaun Prince watched Luis Scola put two buckets in under the basket without getting any help.
* Where was LeBron during that whole run? He’s been the guy that the Americans look to whenever they need to put a stop to the BS. That’s what happened in the second quarter of the game against Australia. But he wasn’t on the floor at all during Argentina’s 27-12 run. Will Coach K pull him aside in the locker room and tell him to take this over?
* Nocioni is running like he’s left something in his shorts. Granted, the guy is playing through pain, but it looks like he’s had an accident.
* ‘Melo just solidified his spot on Hood Team USA squad. After Dwight got mauled by three Argentines, ‘Melo was stepping towards Oberto and Scola as if they were Mardy Collins. But Jason Kidd gave ‘Melo a two-handed shove to keep him from losing his head.
* Even though he just made a bad pass, Jason Kidd has been a big part of Team USA regaining control in the second half. He’s been instrumental in getting passes through this zone and into the lane.
* Statistically, Dwyane Wade is Team USA’s best offensive rebounder. And it always seems like the boards he gets have a big impact. He windmilled that Chris Paul miss back in - even though Paul went to the free throw line on that play. Wade skied for another big board on the next play before getting fouled.
* ‘Melo isn’t in a great place out there right now. After getting in that semi-scrap with Oberto/Scola, he’s been on the literally on the floor for 25% of the time when he’s on the floor. With Dwight and Bosh switching in and out of the game, and Boozer being left squarely on the bench, it’s been up to ‘Melo to hold it down in the paint all game.
* It’s like LeBron is playing on a nerf hoop at points. He sunk two three’s on back-to-back possessions, and followed it up with an easy lefty-layup off of a great pass from the wing. He’s given Team USA the chance to put this game away for good.
* Kobe and J-Kidd are having a conversation on Team USA’s bench shortly after Kobe and Carlos Delfino had some unfriendly words. Kobe was drawing some play out with his hands. So I’m going to cut back here, run along the baseline, and then you’re going to throw me the alley so I can cram on that dude’s head.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
T Dubbs says:
USA by +25… better luck next time Manu.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 am
VQ says:
Take their soul out of the game EARLY..they have no chance
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Dime Magazine says:
How about Manu’s **? He wants NO PART of Team USA. We’re down big early? Kobe’s in my jersey? I think my ankle is acting up ….
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
rodnets says:
They are killing us, and defending better than a playoff game. Props to USA, no competition is possible with that roster and level.
Peace
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Michorizo says:
What’s the halftime score…are they there yet?
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:47 am
Dime Magazine says:
Michorizo -
9 mins to go in 2nd quarter, U.S. up 32-13.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
Dagomar says:
Nocioni’s block on Kobe . . . daaaamn.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Jim says:
I don’t know if others have mentioned this…but am I the only one that loves the lack of filler music and other “entertainment”?
You can hear what the players say, you can make out the chants from the crowd, it’s nice.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Sick swat on Kobe’s reverse dunk attempt by Noce!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Dime Magazine says:
That was absurd. Nocioni pinned a Kobe reverse dunk … never seen that before.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:56 am
Austin Burton says:
Here on the West Coast, the game isn’t on TV yet. Let’s see, we’ve got …
Today Show on NBC
Women’s field hockey on MSNBC
Men’s ping-pong on USA
Men’s volleyball on the Canadian channel
The online feed is nice — about 600 times better than NBA TV’s summer league feed — but there’s no announcers.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
I feel you Austin. I’m pissed off. I had to start watching it on the internet but this buffering every minute is pissing me off. Fuck NBC.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
USA is shooting too many threes.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 am
Toan says:
turns to be more interesting than expected. deficit cut to 8
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 am
Jim says:
For those with less easy going jobs: Big run from Argentina…8 point game with 4 left in the half.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
I don’t understand why some games are shown on TV live but others are on tape delay. I don’t know if this is happening everywhere but it happens out west. This is bullshit.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
daquest?on says:
i was going to take a nap after that 21 point lead but now they are only down 8, so its interesting
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 am
Jim says:
ha ha daquest?, where do you live that you’re taking naps already? I hope you are in the US, I will be proud of your 10 AM nap.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
luke says:
wow go argentina, i dont mind usa winning it all but FINALLY a CLOSE game!!!
noce lookin good, sick block he had on kobe
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Aahhh… The good only Argentina flop.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
Toan says:
props to argentina. without ginobili outplaying the U.S. in the second quarter
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 am
luke says:
Jim it’s 1am here in Aus, well and truly nap time!
Wow nice efforts
Gutsy play by the Argentinians to end the half, with the injuries and early defecit it would be a great story if they keep it close
USA need to move the ball more imo
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Apparently the US is gonna live or die by the three today.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Jim says:
Don’t know why they went with the long 3 there…Scola is beasting us right now.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Kobe thinks he can yell at the ref like in the NBA. They don’t care who you are in the Olympics homie.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
luke says:
I’ll point out that NBL legend Andrew Gaze (who played briefly in the NBA) is commentating for Aussie TV and the anti-NBA bias is hilarious haha! Plus the other guy they have commentating doesn’t seem to have a clue what he’s talking about lol
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
That block looked clean.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
rodnets says:
Quinteros is legit. Why to go Argentina, we are playing with heartand pride and without Manu.
Kid Juan Gutierrez is playing the game of his life
Sick Block by Chapu on KB8.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
Austin Burton says:
Scola owned Bosh/Prince near the end of the half. If I’m Rick Adelman, I’m remembering that for when Detroit and Toronto pop up on the schedule. At least give it a try and see how it works. Then go back to letting Artest jack threes.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
sumthinfresh says:
i cant believe they put up 20 3’s already … thats a recipe for disaster - seeing as they only made 6
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
daquest?on says:
@jim i live on orlando lol its just ive been up since 5 am… damn usa players must b thinking not again! they arent as confident as they were in the first quarter…u could tell by their body language. at least team usa is making their free throws and leading, even though argentina is slowly crawling back without ginobili. man what has gotten into scola, he is beasting ppl out there
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
sumthinfresh says:
and thier short asses are outrebounding us?!?!?!?!? if manu comes back we could be in for a battle if he heats up like he did the other day against greece
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Matt says:
I think Manu just had his pride hurt.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
Dime Magazine says:
Now that it’s close, does Manu’s ankle magically get better for the second half?
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
Jim says:
Good looking then…I definitely would be taking those naps if I could.
Looked like Kobe was trying to be more assertive starting with that 3 he made around 3:30, but it was a mixed result at least between there and the half. As always, we are struggling against the zone.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
qq says:
No matter what happens, US win will not be considered absolute legitimate since Manu went down. There always be-”Manu-less ARG team made a huge comeback and was at US heels for the most of the game, imagine if manu wasn’t hurt…”
And i thought it’ll be a complete glory for US. Not anymore.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
justin says:
Somebody better tell Kobe this aint the 2005 Lakers and he doesn’t need to keep shooting 25 foot 3s with a defender in his face. Pass the ball Kobe!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:21 am
rodnets says:
Don´t be like that Dime Mag, Manu is a warrior, like Chapu, or Scola the will play hurt.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:24 am
Jim says:
qq they have been close for 1/8 of the game at this point, let’s hold on and see what it looks like after 4 before we start tarnishing anything US does.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Mr. Make it Rain says:
@ Rodnets,
You are a clown like Ginobili. “Warrior”?!?!?! All he does is flop and bitch and moan.
He is softer than twinkie filling.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Jim says:
Ginobili doesn’t look too soft when I watch him close out almost every close Spurs game.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 am
luke says:
WTF Carmelo?
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:30 am
rodnets says:
@Mr Make it
He flops and moans, but in crunch time he prooves his value. He has 3 rings, and olyimpic gold, two euroleagues.
If thats not being a warrior tell me what it is.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:34 am
qq says:
Carmelo have no class. He’s a shame for America. Thay should cut them off the team next time and take Iverson.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Mr. Make it Rain says:
@ Rodnets
He is a good player who has been on great teams. He isn’t a warrior. Allen Iverson is a warrior.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 am
rodnets says:
Whats that 4 free throw shooting, was that actually an Oberto’s foul?
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 am
Michorizo says:
what did Carmelo do? what is the score…how much time left? I am missing this!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 am
Austin Burton says:
@Make It Rain — ‘Cause Iverson never flops and complains? I’m a fan of his, but come on.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:51 am
rodnets says:
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/CIS/BK/BKM400202.shtml#BKM400202 on online tracker for those like me who are at the office with no chance of catching the game.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 am
Prodigy195 says:
Can someone tell us whats going on. What happened with Carmelo and what is the score.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 am
Dime Magazine says:
Prodigy
Nothing crazy with Melo - just had to be pulled away from Oberto after Fabricio smacked Dwight Howard on a shot.
Score is 81-64 USA with 9 mins to go in the game.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Jim says:
Prodigy-Scola (I think) hacked Howard in the face–I didn’t think it was that bad–and Melo got in his face, they were pulled apart. He was a lot more excited about it then Howard was.
US is up by 14 going into the 4th, 78-64.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Prodigy195 says:
ok thanks. I’m stuck in class until 1:40 and these computers in the lab don’t allow for video to play so I can’t watch the game online.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Jim says:
Dime Mag, do you have it on TV now? My feed must be delayed.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 am
rodnets says:
@prodigy check the link I sent
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/CIS/BK/BKM400202.shtml#BKM400202 its an online feed
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Michorizo says:
Thanks for the link, but my work has it blocked from my viewing … I’m surprised I can get on this site
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Octopus Jonny says:
“Is it that Redd plays such horrific defense that Coach K can’t put him in?”
“We just figured out why Coach K waited until mid-way through the second quarter to go to Redd. He pounded the ball into the ground 20 times before throwing a wild pass to Chris Paul, thereby forcing a turnover.”
Welcome to the frustation that is being a Milwaukee Bucks fan.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Shujen says:
@rodnets….I cant even get the feed…i am blind over here…this is torture…
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Shujen says:
@ Octopus: How does the other fan feel about Redd?
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Jim says:
The lead is staying around 13-15 with less than 4 to go.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
P_Dizzle says:
Rockets fans have to be loving the way Scola is beasting it out there. Already has 26/11. Imagine a lineup of Artest, Scola and Yao. Pretty damn tough!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
P_Dizzle says:
Think the Spurs are pissed they traded Scola?
Who did they get in that trade anyways? Wasn’t it a 2nd round pick or something?
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
rodnets says:
it would be a 20 point game, thats the real difference between both teams. We will not cry for Manu being out, the rest of the team fought well.
Scola has always been a beast, I wonder what is in Pops mind right now when they left him go away.
Imagine Timmy D and Scola inside. Right now with Artest they are tougher but Yao is a pancake.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Michorizo says:
Is it over?
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Dime Magazine says:
it’s a wrap. U.S. won by 20.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Se acabo.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
rodnets says:
yep 101 81
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
rodnets says:
How bad is Manu’s injury? Does anybody know?
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
ERIC says:
For people who say the win is not “legit” realze that USA was up by 17 pts when Manu checked out of the game with 2 fouls + the injury. It’s not like he was lighting it up. USA took him out of his game.
A win is a win.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Ian says:
manu nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
dime mag u talking out your asses on your many comments has manu ever faked injuries to get out of games
i think he would love a shot at the us (remember 04)
now watching scola playin the us team makes me more pissed at the spurs for trading him
make it rain
what are u talking about he is the second best player on 3 championship teams best player on a gold medal winner and best player on a euro league champion
only player EVER to do that
and thats bs thats hes on a good team he makes them a good team
ill give u an example if kobe played for the spurs in 03 and 05 they win duh but hes not the best player on the team so are u gonna say the same thing about him?
now the game the little chance that argentina had of winning died when manu got injured
the finals usa by 30 over spain only argentina was gonna give the us a game
everyone like to talk shit about nos being dunked on alot cuz he contests everything how about that block on kobe
and scola had a good one on howard also
the rockets should try a couple of games to go thru scola on the post to see how it works
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Ian says:
eric
i wanted argentina to win and manu got injured but u r right its legit u were up by 17 and held the lead
just that the game mighta been a bit more interesting having manu when the lead was 8 hehehe
now one thing i dont like in these brackets its that u r playin for three places not just first i would want a silver medal game of spain (when the us beats them) vs argentina (when they win bronze) since they would have the same record its just spain avoided the us till the finals not that they were the second best team
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
The Bad One says:
Ian, where you from bro? You argentine?
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Ian says:
latin america bro
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Ian says:
bad one
dominican republic
i dont think a team of felipe lopez charlie v francisco garcia and 9 other scrubs we can find can play in the olympics so argentina is as close as it gets for us
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
doc says:
Ian yall can group all them dudes together if yall want.We’ll glady crush all comers.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
The Bad One says:
Doc i’m with you bro we dont care who you bring at us were running through you like exlax
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Ian says:
doc thats what im sayin that we dont have talent to compete