Gregg Popovich can take a deep breath. The coach of the United States saw his players gain the upper hand over Spain, on the night of Sunday to Monday, for their last preparation match before the Olympic Games (83-76).
Led 38-36 at the break by the Spaniards carried by a Ricky Rubio on fire (23 points over the entire match), the Americans relied on Portland leader Damian Lillard, but also on Keldon Johnson, the San Antonio Spurs winger, launched by Popovich, and who took his chance (15 points). Zach LaVine, author of all of his 13 points in the second half, also allowed his team to take the advantage.
The United States will start their Olympic tournament with a shock against France, this Sunday (2 p.m.), before moving on against Iran on July 28, and the Czech Republic on July 31. The Spaniards will challenge Japan, host country, opening next Monday, before facing Argentina on July 29 and Slovenia on July 1is August.
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