USA quintet, doubted, has the last word
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 Aug 2016
THE USA Olympic men?s basketball team was performing below par but, as a result of its overwhelming gold-medal win over tough Serbia, the momentary dip in the American game?which touched off worldwide apprehension ? was taken as nothing more than a prank yesterday.
In fact, the Americans had big fun crushing Serbia that only table officials were observed seriously taking note of the final baskets in the closing minutes of the ludicrously one-sided championship match.
Spectators headed for the exit before the concluding seconds ticked, while the Americans celebrated victory ahead on the bench.
* * *
The US Olympians, who started locked at 11-all, rolled up their sleeves after a few minutes of seemingly tight action to take the half, 52-29, en route to a plastering of Serbia which they had barely beaten (94-91) in the Rio basketball quarterfinals.
Before that suspenseful win over Serbia last week, the US team also suffered anxious moments in the hands of Australia, and had needed to pull away late for final ten-point margin, 98-88.
Wrote the Associated Press: ?The team that usually wins big is barely winning. An unheard of two straight close games for the US Olympic men?s basketball team have created a question that few dared consider a few days ago.?
* * *
Is the best team in the world not good enough for the gold?
Did the USA undermine opposition in the Rio Olympics basketball championship?
Yesterday, the Americans, instantly mighty all over, had the last word: Their brand of basketball remains the standard for supremacy and excellence in the world.
* * *
Of course, there had been reasons to doubt.
For starters, the US national men?s squad was hit hard by player withdrawals. The Americans, the AP continued, were still putting together a roster right up until their deadline.
Instead of bringing experienced Olympians, the AP added, they have 10 rookies who look more like lost tourists when it came to the ways of international basketball.
* * *
Something was seriously lacking, the US national team could be headed for serious trouble?
There were also fears the 2016 US men?s basketball team could end up following the footsteps of the 2004 American national squad that lost to Argentina and settled only for the Olympic bronze in Athens.
Odd how the Americans had refused to be stressed, and even cancelled practice on the eve of the gold-medal match.
* * *
Now, they may have to ask Kevin Durant, who spread a total of 24 points in the first half alone ? from outside, the middle, inside? and turned the Olympic hardwood into his personal playground, what took them long to flash their patented brand of great, dominant basketball.
Wasn?t this the end part of the slow-burning private script?
There may be no reason for the misplaced fears, after all.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025History made twice over
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 31 Oct 2025ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
Fri, 31 Oct 2025