USA basketball, Kyrie Irving to face Spain in semifinals of Rio Olympics 2016
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Team USA will have another matchup with Spain in the Olympics. Only it won’t be for gold this time.
The Americans advanced to the semifinals in the 2016 Summer Games, setting up a rematch from 2008 and 2012 — both gold medal games won by the United States.
The latest showdown, which will take place on Friday night, was arranged on Wednesday, as Team USA cruised past Argentina in the quarterfinals, 105-78. Spain routed France earlier in the day, 92-67.
Team USA’s most recent victory extended its winning streak to 23 in Olympic play. It was also the best performance since a blowout win against Venezuela in the second game of pool play, with the Americans showing an increased effort, especially on the defensive end.
Kevin Durant spearheaded the offense against Argentina, scoring 27 points on 7-of-9 from 3-point range. Paul George added 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench. DeMarcus Cousins (15 points) and Kyrie Irving (11) also reached double figures.
Spain opened the tournament with back-to-back losses against Croatia and Brazil, but has ripped off four consecutive victories.
The Spaniards are led by two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol, who could be playing in his final Olympics. Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio, Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic, New York Knicks 2015 second-round pick Willy Hernangomez and Lakers point guard Jose Calderon join Gasol on a team that lost to the United States in the London gold medal game, 107-100.
The USA-Spain winner will move on to the final on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 2:45 p.m. ET. On the other side, Matthew Dellavedova-led Australia crushed Lithuania in the quarterfinals and will face the winner of Serbia and Croatia in the semis.
USA basketball, Kyrie Irving to face Spain in semifinals of Rio Olympics 2016
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