Spain actually did a reasonable job against the United States defense, they scored 1 point per possession (there were 78 possessions for each side in the contest). The problem was the USA got its offense going for three quarters, particularly once Carmelo Anthony entered the game (27 points on 15 shots), and the USA blew Spain out of the water, 100-78.
Spain can rightfully claim that one of their best players, Marc Gasol, sat this one out and that they are capable of playing better. The problem is will that matter? Maybe they can grind the game down a little, more like Argentina did, but when the USA is knocking down outside shots to go with their pressure defense, it’s just moot.
Still, expect a rematch with the gold medal on the line.
