The United States men's basketball team survived a first-half scare against Australia in the first Olympic semi-final on Thursday, converting a 15-point deficit in the second quarter to a 97-78 victory. The Americans will take on the winner of the matchup between Slovenia and France for the gold medal on Friday night, while Australia will face the loser for the bronze medal.
Kevin Durant, who has already etched his name in history as the United States' all-time leading Olympic scorer, was brilliant again keeping Team USA afloat when nothing else could do. Durant finished with 23 points and was a switching, rim-protecting force on the defensive end, which ultimately led the Americans to win the game.
Kevin Durant in last three wins for USA men's basketball
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 5, 2021
- vs. Czech Republic: 23 points (8-11), 8R, 6A, 1B, +23
- vs. Spain: 29 points (10-17), 2R, 4A, 2S, 1B, +15
- vs. Australia: 23 points (10-19), 9R, 2A, 2S, 1B, +7 pic.twitter.com/wru8HJD1rG
Shooting just 2-for-14 out of 3 in the first half, Team USA cranked up the defensive pressure to begin making the transition bucket and finally 3s n for 31-6 runs (with a 20-0 stretch sprinkle) opened the way. The beginning of the second quarter and the beginning of the third. The Americans scored 7 for 3 to 14 in the third and fourth quarters, with Devin Booker and Jason Tatum warming up to the clean look.
The U.S. overcomes a 15-point deficit to advance to the gold medal game for the 4th straight Olympics, where they will face the winner of Slovenia-France.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 5, 2021
The comeback was sparked by a 20-0 run that spanned the 2nd and 3rd quarters, with Kevin Durant scoring 10 of those points. pic.twitter.com/2OYR10qicD
Entering the fourth quarter, Team USA finished the game with 48–14 runs to reduce the game to 34 points, down 15 to 19. US The game continues to slow, starting out slowly, but over time the depth of his talent advantage has proven to be enormous.
"Many teams are expecting us to fold quickly," Durant said after the game. "...we had a lot of people with straight faces when we were 15. 'Strong faces' is what Pop said."
Jrue Holiday's defense is getting the recognition it deserves. After an all-time defensive performance throughout the NBA playoffs, and especially in the Finals, Holiday was central to Team USA catching Australia's Patty Mills—which was trailing its defenders to start the game, but to finish a lot. Wasn't able to - - up to 15 points on shooting 14 out of 5.
Holiday has been Team USA's second best player throughout the Olympics. His defense speaks for itself, but his aggression on the offensive end, even when his shots aren't working, keep the Americans moving. He puts pressure on you all the time, from both sides. He finished with 11 points, eight assists, eight rebounds, two steals and one blocked shot versus Australia.
Australia had defeated Team USA in their last two meetings, both exhibitions (2019 and 2021), but the Americans improved 9–0 over the Aussies in the actual Olympic Games.
"We came here with one goal and that is to win the gold medal and now we are in a position to do that," Team USA star Damien Lillard said after their win over Australia.
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