Team USA is now into the Olympics Gold Medal Game. In the semifinal against a well-disciplined Australia in order to reach the Finals, Team USA beat Australia 97-78 in order to reach the Finals. The US will now face the winner of the second semifinal against Luka Doncic’s Slovenia and Rudy Gobert’s France. For Team USA, this was very similar to their win against Spain. The players struggled greatly during the first half, as Australia showed their discipline and astute tactics against Gregg Popovich’s side.
But it was the second half where Team USA turned on the afterburners. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Jrue Holiday stepped up on the scoring end of the floor. Durant had yet another spectacular game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 9 rebounds as he led Team USA from the front. Jrue Holiday also played very well, scoring 11 points, with 8 rebounds and 8 assists to help the team.
Booker made some timely shots, reaching 20 points for himself as the US went on a major 40+point run against Australia. The Australians did make life difficult for Team USA, with players like Patty Mills and Matisse Thybulle playing great defense on them. Fans took to Twitter to celebrate Team USA overcoming a tough and astute Australian team.
https://twitter.com/BolWrld/status/1423159961660628992
USA down 15 in the first half. Book and Durant got hot and it was over. That was an epic 58-20 run on a good Australian squad. #teamusa https://t.co/m9MgkViTIa
— danny tewes (@dtewness) August 5, 2021
Good job Team USA …on to the gold medal round
— Dj Infamous aka Da Missin Link (@Infamousthedj) August 5, 2021
#TeamUSA really is a team of two halfs
— Mix Masta B ™ (@MixMastaB) August 5, 2021
SAVE US KD pic.twitter.com/87qD7DJsLy
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWobUSA) August 5, 2021
USA ended the 2nd half then carried over into the entire 3rd with a 44 to 14 run. Just looked like a completely different team, the one we expected to see.
Defense set the tone which led to easy baskets. 3 started to fall too.#Olympics #Basketball #USA
— Steven Ray Rodriguez (@SRayRod) August 5, 2021
KD really led 10 first time Olympians to the gold medal game. When has a usa team not have majority of their top players playing in the Olympics?
— KD’S Burner (@Montrey___) August 5, 2021
Well damn, Zach! Show us why the Bulls gonna be fun next year… #TeamUSA #Tokyo2020
— LaMar Gafford (@lamargafford) August 5, 2021
Team USA loses to Australia in exhibition.
Team USA today ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FOmkncVdhw
— Bryson Carver (@carvingituppod) August 5, 2021
First half Team USA
Second half Team USA#Basketball #AUSvsUSA #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/GcwBJaGyaY
— Joel Wauters (@jo_wauters2014) August 5, 2021
Team USA beats Australia 97-78 and advances to the Finals. They’ll face the winner of France v Slovenia
KD had
•23 points
•10/19 shooting
pic.twitter.com/DI9ame9uT8
— Mismatch (@MismatchSports) August 5, 2021
Team USA beats Australia 97-78 and advances to the Finals. They’ll face the winner of France v Slovenia
KD had
•23 points
•10/19 shooting
pic.twitter.com/DI9ame9uT8
— Mismatch (@MismatchSports) August 5, 2021
https://twitter.com/RK7iOVmEQkfenlA/status/1423163415585906689
The biggest reason Team USA beat Australia was Kevin Durant's rim protection. The man is a 7-foot MONSTER.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 5, 2021
The offensive prowess of Team USA proved to be too much for the Australians. Now, after a short celebration, Kevin Durant and co. will turn their attention to the second semifinal game between Slovenia and France. Luka Doncic has been spectacular for his country, singlehandedly leading his team and setting up his teammates.
Whereas, France has also been really strong, as Team USA saw in their opening fixture. Players like Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, and Rudy Gobert will be ones to watch during the semifinal. Regardless of which country the US faces in the Final, they have a tough road ahead if they want to secure their fourth consecutive Olympic Gold Medal in basketball. But their last few performances will spark confidence amongst the reigning Olympic champs.
