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The USA overcame a 10-point deficit to beat rivals Spain 95-81 in the 2021 Olympics men's basketball quarterfinals.
It was expected to be a closely contested game, and it remained that way for the majority of the match. Both sides fought hard to achieve the win, but the USA proved too hot to handle for the Spaniards down the stretch.
The Americans were on top during the initial phase of the match but gave up a seven-point lead in the first quarter. Spain headed into the second quarter with a two-point lead.
Led by Ricky Rubio, the Spaniards were able to claim a 10-point lead midway through the second quarter. But Kevin Durant made sure the USA did not fall far behind. He went on a mini-run to help his side head into halftime with the scores level at 43-43.
From there on, the USA dominated the game for the majority of possessions and ultimately achieved the win by outscoring Spain 52-38 in the second half.
Here, we take a look at the five key takeaways from this belter of a match:
#5 FIBA Ricky Rubio is unstoppable
Ricky Rubio was on a roll against the Americans on Tuesday afternoon. The Spaniard scored 38 points, shooting 65% from the field. He also made four shots from the three-point line and scored on all eight of his free-throw attempts. The USA had no answer to Rubio's performance throughout the match.
Rubio finished his 2021 Olympics campaign as the highest individual scorer. He has scored 102 points at an average of 25.5 per game across four appearances. Luka Doncic currently trails him by 17 points and could eclipse his record in the next game or if Slovenia makes it to the Finals.
Nonetheless, it was a stellar run for Ricky Rubio as he once again proved why he is one of the best players in the game on the international stage.
#4 Team USA is adapting to in-game situations better than ever
The USA has had to make many adjustments to their game ever since the current roster played their first game in Las Vegas. They have only gotten better with time. The game against Spain on Tuesday was a great example of the massive improvements each player has made over the course of the tournament.
The USA found it difficult to match Spain's physical style of play and stingy defense in the first half. However, they managed to overturn it once the third quarter began and outplayed Spain thoroughly in every aspect of the game.
Despite struggling to shoot the ball well in the first half (the USA shot 38% from the floor in that stretch), they continued to make attempts and eventually found their rhythm with fluid ball movement. It's a great sign for the side as they prepare to face either Argentina or Australia in the semi-finals next.
#3 USA is playing well as a team
The USA has plenty of individual superstars on their teams, who are also leaders for their respective NBA franchises. Many questioned their ability to play as a team due to clashes in leadership styles and their franchise rivalries. However, the Americans have answered that question in style in the last few games.
As many as five players scored more than 10 points on Tuesday for the USA. The team had a total of 28 assists, which further proves the chemistry between some of the top superstars in the country. The entire roster has been top-notch and their unity will be important as the team continue their quest to win a fourth successive Olympic gold medal.
#2 Kevin Durant has caught fire
Kevin Durant has been terrific as the captain of the USA. He has contributed immensely with his all-around play, setting an example for all of his teammates on the court. Durant scored 23 points in the game against Iran and continued in the same vein against Spain, scoring 29 points vital points to bail his team out of trouble.
Durant made key shots when the USA were down and that effectively bolstered their comeback midway through the second quarter. He shot 59% from the field and also converted all five of his free-throw attempts.
The 32-year-old put in a great shift on the defensive end as well, making two steals and a block. If Durant continues to play the same way, the USA will definitely fancy their chances of securing yet another Olympic gold.
#1 USA continues to rely on their long-range shooting
The USA were unable to make the majority of their shots from deep in the first half of the match. They shot only 4-of-17 from beyond the arc in that stretch. Despite that, they did not give up on their long-range shooting as they went on to make the next nine of their 15 attempts in the second half.
The decision to continue shooting from the deep proved to be right as it helped the USA stay in front for most of the game against Spain. The Spaniard, meanwhile, continuously attempted to put pressure on the Americans.
Spain's interior defense was tight, too, which made it important for the USA to keep taking multiple attempts from the three-point line. That decision also saw them move the ball better and quicker, which exhausted Spain's perimeter defenders to a great extent.
Guess the Lakers players!
