This Monday, the United States are flying to Japan, and they completed their preparation for the Olympic Games with a victory against Spain by the Gasol brothers. An 83-76 success built in the 3rd quarter with a huge contribution from Keldon Johnson, author of 15 points, and who finished with the best +/- of the match: +18.
Thanks to Damian Lillard (19 points), the Americans had the best start (9-3) but the Spaniards will get their hands on the first half thanks to an untenable Ricky Rubio. Sergio Scariolo’s players signed a 15-5 to lead 18-14 after 10 minutes. Under the panels, Pau Gasol regales by his job, with this pass behind the head for Usman Garuba, or downright this tap dunk on the failed free throw of his teammate.
Ricky Rubio se balade
Spain have the game well in hand, and Rudy Fernandez, on a 3-point, brings the gap to +8 (26-18). Once again, the Americans are dominated on the rebound, and Gregg Popovich decides to throw Keldon Johnson into the deep end.
The Spurs winger strikes entry at 3-point, and his enthusiasm rubs off on his teammates. Kevin Durant finds his paw as on this fadeaway (34-29), then Damian Lillard the shoulder to bring the score to -2 at the break (38-36). There is a lot of waste but Team USA clearly has more legs than in the first matches.
Back from the locker room, Rubio continues his festival, and in all positions (42-36), but Popovich very quickly raises Johnson. Same effect as in the second quarter, and his speed and aggressiveness disturb the Spaniards. At his side, Lillard planted at 3-point, and the Americans passed in front (48-46). We find Lillard on a long rebound, and on the counterattack, he finds Johnson tumbling down for the dunk. The United States offers itself four points in advance (50-46), and Scariolo takes a time-out. By his activity, even in defense, Lillard clearly stands out as the real leader of the team. More than a Kevin Durant.
A fatal 11-0
Zach LaVine returns to play in place of Lillard, and he also hits 3-pointers. The Americans are on an 11-0, and Johnson, again, even gives them a 10-point lead (57-47). Team USA’s defense completely suffocated Spain. Jerami Grant then Jayson Tatum put the gap above 10 points in the 4th quarter. The Americans master their subject, and after a nice basket from Willy Hernangomez, LaVine answers him with 3-points (70-59).
There are five minutes to play, and Johnson and LaVine knock out the Spaniards on the fast play (76-61). Popovich recalls his young winger on the bench, and he is squarely entitled to a standing ovation. Mass is said, and Team USA finally wins 83-76 with a good defensive performance. Six days before the match against the French team, Gregg Popovich leaves for Japan with more certainty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUlWz-TKCVA
