Australia, still in search of its first basketball medal at the Games, and the first success for this block, managed to go ahead at halftime and have an interesting advantage at one point. But nevertheless, United States reacted after long faces to come back, win and get into the final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The boomers went on to win by 15 in the second quarter. The players were fired up on the bench and motivated on the floor, while the Americans were struggling. But Team USA managed the break better. “As soon as we went down three at halftime I felt that the game was in our power,” said Durant, author of 23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
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The first 15 minutes of the game left a 41-28 run in favor of Australia. The last 15, 46-14 for the United States. Patty Mills, one more night leader of the Australian squad: 15 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds.
America was guided by Durant
Durant navigated several of the tough moments for Popovich’s team. Middle distance resources and the usual unstoppable scoring were America’s best for another night. Outside of KD, both Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday, both coming to Tokyo straight from the Finals, delivered points and fantastic energy on defense. Booker had 20 points and 3 rebounds as a starter; meanwhile, Holiday, also starting, signed a complete performance of 11 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.
All three were also leaders in defense, achieving recoveries and stops that culminated in transition points. And finally, they bled the Australian attack. They made a 20-0 run after the initial 15-2, as a demonstration of their power.
France knocks down Slovenia and Luka Doncic
Excellent match in the semifinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. France and Slovenia have delighted the spectator, with a tight match, of exchanges and balanced sections between lucidity and offensive droughts. Luka Doncic had a great match, far from his best performance, but Nando de Colo and the French defense weighed more.
The match started with a positive partial in favor of Slovenia, despite the slight advantage (29-27), and they managed to impose their rhythm with fantastic versions of Doncic and Mike Tobey. The pair did a lot of damage, but France managed to minimize their impact as the match progressed.
The second quarter saw a lower scoring pace (15-15) that favored Vincent Collet’s, who were able to stifle Slovenia’s style. France’s offensive problems also flourished, showing once again that they have a lot of size and defensive power, but inconsistent shooting.
The third quarter allowed France to turn the situation around with a +8 on the mail. They deactivated Doncic, Tobey’s impact was reduced to the rebound and the outside hit was down to 33% compared to a powerful 48%. Those of Collet were superior in approach and play, despite the lashes of Slovenia
Those of Aleksander Sekulic had certain appearances, but their style that surrounds the rival disappeared. However, Luka finished with a triple-double: 16 points, 18 assists and 10 rebounds. In fact, the 18 assists are the second best mark in an Olympic Games match behind the 20 for Manuel “Meme” Sáenz in 1976. Doncic’s triple-double is the third in an Olympic event after Alexander Belov’s ( 1976) and LeBron James (2012).
Key shots from De Colo, Fournier and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot allowed France to dream, which with an impressive stopper from Nico Batum on Prepelic sentenced the night. The Clippers had 3 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 4 blocks in a very complete performance. Great job yours on Luka. Nando De Colo, the guide with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. France will play the final of the Olympic Games against the United States, a team that they already knocked down in the group stage.
