TeamUSA-Greece

[V-2]

It's on baby. Go Greece!

[milkyway21]

31/08/2006

What’s coming up? Greece vs United States, Semi-Final

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) – Team USA boss Mike Krzyzewski built his reputation as one of the best coaches in basketball at Duke University where he emphasized defense and turned the Blue Devils into one of the top college teams in the land.

Now he will have to overcome Greece, one of the top defensive teams in international basketball, if the United States are to reach the gold medal game at the FIBA World Championship.

Led by Panagiotis Yannakis, a legendary player and now the national team coach, Greece have relied on their tough-as-nails defense to march through the field here in Japan without losing a game.

"The semi-finals will be a heck of a game," Krzyzewski said.

"The Greek team plays defense about as well as anybody in the world.

"Their coach (Yannakis) is a very good friend of mine. We knew each other as young men and now we're a little bit older.

"He's someone I admire. They are a championship team. They play with that type of solidarity, and we're going to have to play older, because they are a strong and mature basketball team."

Greece, with Yannakis as their point guard, won the European Championship in 1987 by upsetting the old Soviet Union.

He was at the helm of the Greek team when they reached the semi-finals of the FIBA World Championship in Athens eight years ago and he also led the side to the quarter-finals at the Greek Olympics in 2005 before steering them to the gold medal at EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade.

"The Greece team is a very good one," said LeBron James, one of the USA captains.

"They’ve played together for a long time now. We have to have the same mindset we had in the second half against Germany but play that way for 40 minutes."

Team USA only led Germany 40-39 at half-time in their quarter-final before forcing six steals at the start of the second half to build a lead and storm to victory.

"It will be a win or die game, and we'll have to take care of business and win that game," James said

Greece could suffer against the US without Nikos Zisis, who has not played since suffering three broken bones in his face after a nasty collision with Anderson Varejao of Brazil in Group C competition.

What the Greeks do have is man mountain Sofoklis Schortsianitis, the 2.06m, 125-kilogram Olympiacos center who was not in last year’s EuroBasket team.

He played well against Yao Ming of China and the French youngster Ronny Turiaf.

Now Sofo is gearing up for a battle against Team USA.

"They are a fantastic team and they have great players," he said.

"We will have to wait and see until game day. I hope we can go all the way. Against USA, we know we will have to give 100% on defense and hope our offense works."

By Jeff Taylor
FIBA


game is on now...

Greece 7-0
USA 7-0

2-2 tie 8:08 min 1stQ

[milkyway21]

4:51 min 1stQ

6-9 USA

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

whoa I almost missed it .

[V-2]

This is the best defensive effort for teamUSA in the tournament, 15-12 for the Americans.

[Streakyshooter08]

This is the best defensive effort for teamUSA in the tournament, 15-12 for the Americans.

I agree. They defend pretty well. Greece really has problems to secure the defensive rebound... if they can improve that, it will be a close game.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Hinrich fucking up

[V-2]

9-0 run for Greece, 33-30 for TeamUSA.

[angel_luv]

Holy cow... Greece is a scary team.

[jmard5]

USA up by only 3 pts. 30-33.

[angel_luv]

Focus is going be a huge factor in this game.

[jmard5]

See stats live at http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/index.asp
Click on Live Statistics.

Greece 35 : 36 USA

[SLOVENIAN 8]

HAha Little Shaq destroy USA haha

[angel_luv]

Bruce would be nice to have on D right about now.

[V-2]

Greece up by 5, 38-43. Yes baby!!!!

[angel_luv]

HAha Little Shaq destroy USA haha


Dobro Jutro! :)

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

wow

[Streakyshooter08]

WHAT A GAME... until now. :) Great effort by Greece. If they can maintain that it is gonna be a HELL of a second half... IF

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

U.S. will regather themselves.

[jmard5]

Greece 43 : 38 USA

01:05 No.10 Paul, Chris (USA) Turnover, bad pass
01:05 No.15 Kakiouzis, Michail (GRE) stole the ball
01:16 41 : 38 No.5 Schortsianitis, Sofoklis (GRE) made two points inside the paint (Ass No. 13)
01:31 No.10 Paul, Chris (USA) missed the shot inside the paint
01:31 No.13 Diamantidis, Dimitrios (GRE) got the defensive rebound
01:47 39 : 38 No.5 Schortsianitis, Sofoklis (GRE) made two points inside the paint (Ass No. 4)
01:57 Substitution for USA - James, Lebron (out); Hinrich, Kirk (in)
01:57 No.6 James, Lebron (USA) Turnover, bad pass
01:57 No.13 Diamantidis, Dimitrios (GRE) stole the ball
02:05 37 : 38 No.5 Schortsianitis, Sofoklis (GRE) made two points inside the paint (Ass No. 7)
02:23 35 : 38 No.11 Bosh, Chris (USA) made two points inside the paint (Ass No. 4)
02:34 No.15 Anthony, Carmelo (USA) received a foul

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Greece leads 43 -38

[ata]

USA got spanked in 2nd Q.

It will be hot during halftime...

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

HAha Little Shaq destroy USA haha
:lol EuroShaq

[Streakyshooter08]

HAha Little Shaq destroy USA haha

They call him that way in Slovenia too? :lol Thats exactly what the german comentator said a few moments ago. :spin

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Dobro Jutro! :)
Hvala :spin

Great game to watch :smokin

[SLOVENIAN 8]

They call him that way in Slovenia too? :lol Thats exactly what the german comentator said a few moments ago. :spin
Yes baby Shaq :lol

[angel_luv]

Hvala :spin

Great game to watch :smokin


It sure is-actually a contest.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

At halftime 45-41 for Greece

[Louae]

I never knew that off-arm shiver was a legal offensive move.

[V-2]

Greece needs to keep the score in the 80s. Anthony and Howard are hurting the Greek defense.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

what a great sunny morning with a great game:D Tomorrow i have to go to the sea cant wait :smokin

[angel_luv]

I bet this is a shock to team US system.

[angel_luv]

what a great sunny morning with a great game:D Tomorrow i have to go to the sea cant wait :smokin


Where are you going?

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

what a great sunny morning with a great game:D Tomorrow i have to go to the sea cant wait :smokin
I bet you're lovin' this aren't you?

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I bet this is a shock to team US system.
They'll be fine. It's a good game so far though.

[spurs_in_7]

say bye bye to the championshinp, usa :spin

[Kamnik]

I CANT STAND all the stupid looks from James when a call goes agaisnt him

whatever it is..... he makes this "wtf" face even if it is clear situation



Carmelo plays well on the other side




go greece :spin

[angel_luv]

say bye bye to the championshinp, usa :spin


That is way too early to call. This game could go either way.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Where are you going?

At Croatia , i have about 2 hours of driving to there, but in Sunday i go to Portorož here in SLO to watch water F1 racing , but to SLO coast is just about 50 min driving so... :spin The summer is ending so i have to go as many time it is possible :spin

F1 - http://www.siol.net/Doc/Img/10351300608311650170-1-0-3-1.jpg

[V-2]

Way too early plus the game is well balanced. Greece controls games late in the period, expect an American blitzkrieg at the opening of the 3rd.

[angel_luv]

I CANT STAND all the stupid looks from James when a call goes agaisnt him

whatever it is..... he makes this "wtf" face even if it is clear situation



:lol

Have you ever seen a basketball player not "shocked" they were called for a foul?

[jmard5]

say bye bye to the championshinp, usa :spin

Too early to tell. We have seen Team USA bounce back.

Let us see what adjustments both teams do in the 3rd quarter.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

second half will start now :smokin

[angel_luv]

At Croatia , i have about 2 hours of driving to there, but in Sunday i go to Portorož here in SLO to watch water F1 racing , but to SLO coast is just about 50 min driving so... :spin The summer is ending so i have to go as many time it is possible :spin


Wow- how exciting! You're going to have a blast! :)

http://www.siol.net/Doc/Img/10351300608311650170-1-0-3-1.jpg

Those are nifty.

[Kamnik]

:lol

Have you ever seen a basketball player not "shocked" they were called for a foul?

ok u got a point but not for EVERY SINGLE ONE :lol

or maybe the camera is just doing him unjustice by showing it each time

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Wow- how exciting! You're going to have a blast! :)

http://www.siol.net/Doc/Img/10351300608311650170-1-0-3-1.jpg

Those are nifty.
That is just usualy weekend here in SLO for me :spin

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

:lol

Have you ever seen a basketball player not "shocked" they were called for a foul?
http://herbie.mlblogs.com/photos/geoffs_gooey_photos/tim_duncan_no_foul.jpg

[SLOVENIAN 8]

hAHA Carmelo hit in Baby shaq and carmel go down :lol :lol Comedy

[angel_luv]

http://herbie.mlblogs.com/photos/geoffs_gooey_photos/tim_duncan_no_foul.jpg


hehehehe... precisely.

[angel_luv]

Win or lose, Greece is impressive.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

damn, mini shaq is tearing it up.

[V-2]

Greece 56- USA 48

[angel_luv]

Is number 5 the one you guys are calling Baby Shaq?

[ponky]

this is a great game, finally something to challenge team usa...schortsianitis (sp?) is awesome!!!

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Baby shak shoul go in NBA, that guy play great he block, dunk, hit damn

[Kamnik]

:lol

Have you ever seen a basketball player not "shocked" they were called for a foul?

sry if im stubborn on this subject

but Anthony admitted a foul by raising his hand :drunk

[angel_luv]

Wade and Lebron are off to unusually slow scoring starts.

[angel_luv]

sry if im stubborn on this subject

but Anthony admitted a foul by raising his hand :drunk


:)

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Is number 5 the one you guys are calling Baby Shaq?
X+Yes the only black guy at greece team

[Kori Ellis]

Wade and Lebron are off to unusually slow scoring starts.

Wade sucked in the last game too. So I guess not too unusual :lol He went 1-for-12 or something in the last game.

[jmard5]

LeBron and Camelo both missing all their freethrows.

07:21 No.6 James, Lebron (USA) missed 2nd freethrow
07:21 No.6 James, Lebron (USA) missed a freethrow

08:09 No.15 Anthony, Carmelo (USA) missed 2nd freethrow
08:09 No.15 Anthony, Carmelo (USA) missed a freethrow

[angel_luv]

Wade sucked in the last game too. So I guess not too unusual :lol He went 1-for-12 or something in the last game.


I was trying to be nice... :lol

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Greece is leading by 12, lol :smokin

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

damn he just got schooled

[ponky]

haha, that was no foul on fotsis, melo just fell

[V-2]

62-50 we can!!!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

LeBron and Camelo both missing all their freethrows.

07:21 No.6 James, Lebron (USA) missed 2nd freethrow
07:21 No.6 James, Lebron (USA) missed a freethrow

08:09 No.15 Anthony, Carmelo (USA) missed 2nd freethrow
08:09 No.15 Anthony, Carmelo (USA) missed a freethrow
I think they're making their case to join the Spurs.

[angel_luv]

Wow Greece.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Usa is going down, they let Greece player on 3pt and they hit all

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

wtf? they scored it wrong.

[angel_luv]

I don't remember Greece being this good.

[SpursWillOwn]

Greece Is Hot On 3 6-12

[ponky]

someone smack me, i can't believe this, i knew greece would play well, but daaaaaaaaaang!!!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I don't remember Greece being this good.
They're kicking ass. No turnovers.

[V-2]

Maybe now Greece will get some respect. Yannakis outcoaching coach K. Greece mixing it up on both ends of the floor.

[Spurologist]

Wade and LeBron try to be world beaters by taking jumpshots. Great strategy

[Streakyshooter08]

I don't remember Greece being this good.

I do. They played well in the Euro Championship last year and crushes Germany in an exhibition by 40! They are for real.

If the US wins that game, they will win it all...

[SLOVENIAN 8]

We were only to beat them at EURO 2005

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I will get scared for us when it's the 4th quarter and 5 min to go.

[angel_luv]

That was a nice shot by Anthony.

[angel_luv]

Anthony can only help so much if team USA doesn't play D on the other end.

[SpursWillOwn]

great game melo digging team usa out

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Cant wait for Baby Shaq back in :lol

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

These Free throw misses
are pathetic

[SpursWillOwn]

LoL i think bruce could do that hustle play as good as battier.. but it's better in the sense that bruce dont have to play that hustle to save up for the next season for spurs

[milkyway21]

GRE - Papaloukas: "USA haven't played a good defensive team yet" sad :cry but he's right.

thank you Coach K for sacking Bowen. He could be the solution to your defense right now.

if you win, wait for Manu.

oh no! the defense is TERRIBLE!!! :depressed

how could they let a 50% 3-pt shooting for Greece?

I'm out!

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Cant wait for Baby Shaq back in :lol
he's gonna close the U.S. out in the 4th :lol

[DannyT]

no heart..only shane and melo

[xamila rey]

can someone tell me the score?
i just woke up

[SpursWillOwn]

US stepping up defense

[angel_luv]

Now that was a fast break.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Omg

[SpursWillOwn]

Greece75-65USA

[DannyT]

lmfao....this is hilarious

[Spurologist]

D Wade might as well have stayed at the hotel

[SpursWillOwn]

end of third quarter Greece 77-65 USA

[V-2]

77-65 for Greece end of 3rd. One more quarter baby.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

If usa will lost this one then they will hit 4 th place in that turnament for sure

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

they shouldn't have gone with the iso on the last play.

[DannyT]

dwayne who....

[jmard5]

can someone tell me the score?
i just woke up

Greece 75 : 65 USA

00:25 No.5 Hinrich, Kirk (USA) received a foul
00:25 No.9 Fotsis, Antonios (GRE) gets a offensive foul
00:40 No.8 Battier, Shane (USA) gets a personal foul
00:40 No.11 Dikoudis, Dimos (GRE) received a foul
00:55 No.8 Battier, Shane (USA) got the defensive rebound
00:55 75 : 65 No.9 Wade, Dwyane (USA) made 2nd freethrow
00:55 No.9 Wade, Dwyane (USA) missed a freethrow
00:55 No.9 Wade, Dwyane (USA) received a foul
00:55 No.11 Dikoudis, Dimos (GRE) gets a personal foul
01:03 No.8 Battier, Shane (USA) blocked the shot
01:03 No.7 Spanoulis, Vasileios (GRE) 2 point shot has been blocked
01:23 75 : 64 No.8 Battier, Shane (USA) made 2nd freethrow
01:23 No.8 Battier, Shane (USA) missed a freethrow
01:23 Substitution for USA - Anthony, Carmelo (out); James, Lebron (in)

[Spurologist]

Euro Ball is a jumpshooting game.

USA has only one player playing that game.

Fucking pathetic.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The pressures on the U.S. now in the 4th. Let's see how we get ourselves out of this embarassment. I can see the headlines now...

[Kamnik]

USA's coach doesnt do the right things

he should let Carmelo play almost all the time and also Howard


this isnt Germany-wake up

[angel_luv]

That Wade! :lol

[xamila rey]

Greece75-65USA

thanx i cant believe it,
i am from Argentina, but i live here

i want USA TO WIN...


c'mon guys.. GO USA GO!!

[SpursWillOwn]

NBA finals phantom calls brought to FIBA

[ponky]

D Wade just got pwned, that was so good, I can't stop laughing.

[angel_luv]

D Wade just got pwned, that was so good, I can't stop laughing.


Be nice! :angel

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The U.S. had a warning sign with Italy. I don't know why they haven't learned from their mistakes.

[SpursWillOwn]

wow it's gonna be interesting if USA races back

[angel_luv]

D Wade just got pwned, that was so good, I can't stop laughing.


See! Karma!

[angel_luv]

Smart move by Greece to bounce it off Wade's foot.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Wade is going to cry :lol :lol :lol

The only guy who play is carmelo

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

it's just a two man team. how come we don't use our centers?

[xamila rey]

where are u ....Bruc?
his talent in defense and experience in how to play in close games
is certainly missed

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

damn U.S. is getting desperate

[SpursWillOwn]

88-77 greece leading 5 minutes remaining

[DannyT]

game ova....

[ca®lo]

greece is a tough team to crack

[angel_luv]

Greece seems to be getting a little tired.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

sweet defensive plays

[StylisticS]

That Wade! :lol

You see now why I say he makes me cringe.
It's amazing how Greece is beating the US by playing the basketball we use to play.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Greece seems to be getting a little tired.
Bring out baby huey!

[dnlasers]

Please tell me whats going my directv just got freaking disconnected.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Baby Shaq where is he damn :lol :lol

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

You see now why I say he makes me cringe.
It's amazing how Greece is beating the US by playing the basketball we use to play.
We need to go back to our roots, pre-Michael Jordan Wannabe era.

[angel_luv]

Baby Shaq! :)

[ca®lo]

wade misses a dunk. greece turns the ball over.

this is interesting. hmm

james with a basket 89-83 greece

[angel_luv]

Here comes the US

[spurs_in_7]

You see now why I say he makes me cringe.
It's amazing how Greece is beating the US by playing the basketball we use to play.

with team play and tactics????? :lol.....nah

[SpursWillOwn]

James!

[angel_luv]

There goes Greece

And now the U.S. :lol

[Sanders]

Wow, exciting game! :smokin

[dnlasers]

whats the score????

[angel_luv]

My gatorade commercial is on. :)

[mgtptdmvp]

score and time???

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

This is getting exciting.

[Streakyshooter08]

What a stupid play by Hinrich... 2 shots and ball... this is one of the best games I have seen in a long time...

[Spurologist]

Two foul shots and the ball for Greece will make it tough.

[V-2]

If big Sofo hits the Fts and Greece scores in the next sequence the game is over.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

U.S is down 5, 86 -91

[jmard5]

What is this???

02:17 No.5 Hinrich, Kirk (USA) made an unsportsmenlike foul
02:17 No.5 Schortsianitis, Sofoklis (GRE) received a foul
02:41 No.5 Hinrich, Kirk (USA) hit the 3 point shot (Ass No. 9)

[Slomo]

Gre 91 - 86 USA 2:17 left

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

What a stupid play by Hinrich... 2 shots and ball... this is one of the best games I have seen in a long time...
Hinrich proving to be retarded.

[Louae]

I have no idea why Paul was out there for so long. He's a killer to have against a zone.

[Spurologist]

Game Over

[ca®lo]

2 mins to go greece up by 8! holy shit

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

oh shit
wtf is happening!

[ca®lo]

no one wants to shoot the fucking ball.

wade misses desperation trey.

turnover by greece wade converts.

[SpursWillOwn]

O Man Greece!

[StylisticS]

We need to go back to our roots, pre-Michael Jordan Wannabe era.

man..as much as we all love Jordan.. You can say that era helped the rest of the world catch up.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

that rebound was huge

[angel_luv]

US needed that rebound. That was their window, I think.

[xamila rey]

94-88
43.4 s left

[ca®lo]

greece by 7.. 44 secs to go.. usa ball.. hinrich for 3 makes it!

[StylisticS]

That's it

[V-2]

Greece is the best team in the world.

[SpursWillOwn]

Oh Shit Usa Ball!

[angel_luv]

It's not over.

I knew the announcers called it too quick.

[ponky]

WOOWOOHOOOWOOOOHOOOOOOO, this was worth staying up for, a foul on Wade and a win for Greece!!!!

[angel_luv]

Free throws made such a difference.

[StylisticS]

BTW, every last player on this team needs to shoot free throws from now until training camp.

[SpursWillOwn]

can USA WIN IT!?

[ca®lo]

holy shit!

this is exciting

[angel_luv]

Where was that D earlier?

[SLOVENIAN 8]

What a game :smokin

[Spurologist]

wtf is Anthony doing

[angel_luv]

can USA WIN IT!?


Down 4
23.9 left

Greece on line

[ca®lo]

24 ticks to go. greece up by 6!!!!

[SpursWillOwn]

carmelo choke?

[ponky]

Haha, that was not five seconds but nice try with trying to *help* Team USA and the ratings.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Free throws made such a difference.
In a close game. They always hurt in close games...

You can see it in their faces they're hurtin.

[angel_luv]

99-95 Greece on line again

[dnlasers]

Wow I kinda had a feeling Greece would have pulled this off.

[angel_luv]

15.3 left

[ca®lo]

16 ticks to go greece up by 4. greece is about to shoot two fts.

hmmm

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

carmelo choke?
He makes all of his jumpshots, yet misses the one that might matter most.

[Sanders]

Greece is the best team in the world.

They'll have to prove that in the finals.

[ponky]

BTW, every last player on this team needs to shoot free throws from now until training camp.

yup, the free throw shooting was atrocious

[Spurologist]

carmelo choke?

USA would have been blown out without Anthony but you get a turnover and as soon as you get the ball you throw up a contested jumper. Unreal.

[ponky]

carmelo choke?

wtf, melo was the only one keeping them in the game and he's been the most impressive player in this tournament for the u.s.

[angel_luv]

He makes all of his jumpshots, yet misses the one that might matter most.


That hurts.

[spyder]

freakin USA :pctoss

[angel_luv]

Wow Greece!

[ca®lo]

HOLY SHIT. its over

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

wow it's all our fault. Didn't take our free throws seriously!

[spurs_in_7]

we now can say offially...........

FIBA>NBA
:lmao

[Kori Ellis]

wow it's all our fault. Didn't take our free throws seriously!

Or defense.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

they must feel like shit. This team had the talent to go all the way!

[V-2]

101-95
Proud to be Greek .

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Bring on the Argentina Vs. Spain game!

[dnlasers]

Freakin USA what a waste of talent

[dnlasers]

Bring on the Argentina Vs. Spain game!

Hope its just as good as this one

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Or defense.
That too. They only played it in the first quarter. Made two stops when they needed it in the beginning of the 4th. Didn't do it ever again.

[ca®lo]

once again.. defense wins championships.

would team usa be better if they didnt cut bruce?

[jmard5]

And somewhere, someone whose last name is Bowen is shaking his head...

[FreshPrince22]

Word to USA Basketball. Get a fucking shot blocker. The layup line is ridiculous.

[Spurologist]

This team needed Kobe and Redd.

[aaronstampler]

what a shock, half the US team didn't even shake hands when it was over, they just left. Classy.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

This is sooo EMBARASSINGG!

We had the gold medal game!

[MannyIsGod]

Props to Greece. I'm severely dissapointed in most of our team. Coach K did a horrendous job of coaching involving the pick and roll and the offense. This is really really dissapointing.

[angel_luv]

The final score is deceiving to me. It makes the game appear closer than it was. Greece was in control almost all of the second half.

[SpursWillOwn]

yea he can be the best player but he could also choke.. ask dallas

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

To be fair on the U.S. defense, watching those replays. They did have momentum killing threes by that one guy. We were closing in, and coulda stuck it neck and neck had it not been for those daggers.

[frenchuser]

Hi !
Don't be so hard on USA team. They'll learn and come back stronger and more experienced to fiba's game in 2008.
It takes time to become a great fiba team.
See Spain, Argentina, Greece

[fred33]

greece has made a fabulous game and team usa a good game that's the difference

[xamila rey]

if i suffered on this one,
i dont wanna think how much i will in the next match

[timvp]

Coach K subbing in crunch time and not calling meaningful timeouts didn't help. That Greek coach Pontakiatiakitinikos ran circles around him.

V-Span and Baby Shaq look pretty damn good.

Oh and Carmelo at center?

Small ball has gone global.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

The final score is deceiving to me. It makes the game appear closer than it was. Greece was in control almost all of the second half.
Yeah. Greece controlled it the whole way by running the clock. The desperation threes by Kirk makes it looked. I think that'll save the players embarassment, from the Americans waking up with the paper in the morning.

[Kamnik]

To be fair on the U.S. defense, watching those replays. They did have momentum killing threes by that one guy. We were closing in, and coulda stuck it neck and neck had it not been for those daggers.

:elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

Greece is simply and amazing mix of players with balls and years of experience in tough high pressure games

i didnt think they can pull it off....

[Kori Ellis]

Out of curiousity, how tall is Baby Shaq?

[Nikos]

Sofoklis, Papaloukas, Spanoulis, and Diamantidis were the difference. Three ball handlers, hit big shots, made great decisions -- and Sofoklis was HUGE in the first half.

Other than Melo and Dwight in the first half -- no USA player really did much.

Props to Greece for playing excellent basketball -- especially on the offensive end were they picked USA apart with the P&R.

[timvp]

Sofoklis, Papaloukas, Spanoulis, and Diamantidis were the difference. Three ball handlers, hit big shots, made great decisions -- and Sofoklis was HUGE in the first half.

Other than Melo and Dwight in the first half -- no USA player really did much.

Props to Greece for playing excellent basketball -- especially on the offensive end were they picked USA apart with the P&R.

Homer.

:smokin

[fred33]

a lots of journalists in europe see a final spain greece

[MannyIsGod]

Coach K subbing in crunch time and not calling meaningful timeouts didn't help. That Greek coach Pontakiatiakitinikos ran circles around him.

V-Span and Baby Shaq look pretty damn good.

Oh and Carmelo at center?

Small ball has gone global.Yeah, when that black guy came in I was like holy shit he's big. And it killed them inside.

So, the question is now would Bruce have been of any use out there today? Considering how bad the on the ball defense was, I think he would have.

[aaronstampler]

Somewhere along the line, the country forgot how to play basketball. It's just an individual game now, in a team concept, much like baseball is. The players don't care about knowing how to play together, they just want to score. The only time they'll pass the ball is to make the "assist" pass for their stats. But nobody wants to make the pass that leads to the assist. Nobody wants to set a screen. In the NBA if they have a play that even involves 3 guys touching the ball anymore, a team is regarded as the second coming of the 70 Knicks, it's pathetic.

Thank God I'm a Spurs fan, or else the NBA would be completely unwatchable. Can you imagine if team Argentina was its own NBA team? They'd never lose. And their whole payroll would be much less than the Knicks.

[Spurologist]

All the credit to Greece. They had at least three players who were shooting around 35% from three and they made their threes especially Spanilous. USA on the other hand had Chris Paul, LeBron, and Wade jacking up jumpshots to man up them. Not exactly an ideal situation

[V-2]

That was by far the best offensive game Greece has put together. I think Argentina is a better match up for the Greeks plus we have to avenge the loss at the Olympics.

[Nikos]

Out of curiousity, how tall is Baby Shaq?

I think he is 6-9ish, maybe 6-10.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

soo... next games in an hour? I hope they don't do a last minute schedule change

[MannyIsGod]

He reminds me of Robert Traylor only with skills.

[Texas_Ranger]

fuck

[ca®lo]

melos face expression is priceless

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

That was by far the best offensive game Greece has put together. I think Argentina is a better match up for the Greeks plus we have to avenge the loss at the Olympics.
Let's see how Argentina brings their game against Spain before we think about a Greek match up.

[10-tka]

Proud to be European!

[Louae]

I have to give it up to Team USA. They played hard and never gave up. The Greek team just played a great game of basketball today. Team USA's inability to effectively defend the pick and roll, missed free throws, and incredible 3-point shooting proved to be our downfall. In a one game tourney, anything can happen when another team is rolling. The Greek team was just rolling.

Notable points:
Chris Paul's game at the present time is not FIBA proof.
Shane Battier definately deserved to be there.
Bowen would've been useful in this game.
Hinrich is definately a keeper for FIBA competition.

If you're never going to play Miller, then why cut Bowen. I still don't understand that.

[Kamnik]

That Greek coach Pontakiatiakitinikos ran circles around him.

agreed

since the day coack K was selected for the job i thought it was a mistake

Di Antoni for head coach along with Popovich would be the best pick imo




American college ball is much diferent from the international level,style

these Greek players are hardy veterans not some teenagers

[Streakyshooter08]

What a game. Greece was able to match the athleticsism of the US. They played wonderfull BB. Great clock management, they played as a team and little Shaq/ Spanoulis put them over the top... Looking forward to ARG- ESP

[fonzy16]

buuuuahaaahaaahaaaa

[ca®lo]

team usa reminds me of the phoenix suns.

[MannyIsGod]

Proud to be European!:lmao

So now you're going to ride Greek coatails? Thats classic.

[Kori Ellis]

If you're never going to play Miller, then why cut Bowen. I still don't understand that.

Yeah I guess they thought they'd end of needing Miller as a backup big, but they never played him. They chose to keep him over Bruce for the last spot and he was a complete non-factor.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Somewhere along the line, the country forgot how to play basketball. It's just an individual game now, in a team concept, much like baseball is. The players don't care about knowing how to play together, they just want to score. The only time they'll pass the ball is to make the "assist" pass for their stats. But nobody wants to make the pass that leads to the assist. Nobody wants to set a screen. In the NBA if they have a play that even involves 3 guys touching the ball anymore, a team is regarded as the second coming of the 70 Knicks, it's pathetic.

Thank God I'm a Spurs fan, or else the NBA would be completely unwatchable. Can you imagine if team Argentina was its own NBA team? They'd never lose. And their whole payroll would be much less than the Knicks.
I hear ya. With the exception of the Spurs and a few other teams, it's amazing how the players had no clue when they had melo or wade going 1 on 5, and 1 on 3, and the players with inferior talent capitalized on easy lay ups through ball movement.

FIBA and NBA games are so different. It's like looking at retro-NBA play.

[MannyIsGod]

I have to give it up to Team USA. They played hard and never gave up. The Greek team just played a great game of basketball today. Team USA's inability to effectively defend the pick and roll, missed free throws, and incredible 3-point shooting proved to be our downfall. In a one game tourney, anything can happen when another team is rolling. The Greek team was just rolling.

Notable points:
Chris Paul's game at the present time is not FIBA proof.
Shane Battier definately deserved to be there.
Bowen would've been useful in this game.
Hinrich is definately a keeper for FIBA competition.

If you're never going to play Miller, then why cut Bowen. I still don't understand that.That is true. There was no lack of heart in team USA this time around. I really think this was a big coaching blunder more than anything else.

[Sanders]

Proud to be European!

Haha, I'm proud to be human, we did invent the basketball afterall... I love this game! :smokin

[V-2]

Nikos,
You finally came out of the closet. Hehe

[SpursWillOwn]

T Park is it true that someone said "Run T Park run" and u ran?

[Nikos]

Homer.

:smokin


:lol

I am happy for Greece, they are sort of like Argentina in that they have a lot of experience and tough minded players who seem to play well in big games. Remember Greece played Argentina tough in the Olympics (tougher than USA).

I really hope Argentina wins. It would suck to see Spain in the finals -- out of all the teams I don't like them the most.

I will be real disappointed if Spain beats Argentina.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

buuuuahaaahaaahaaaa
Thanks fonz.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

European basketball is better basketball in real mean of bball. But at dunking USA is better

[joeyjfive]

Somewhere along the line, the country forgot how to play basketball. It's just an individual game now, in a team concept, much like baseball is. The players don't care about knowing how to play together, they just want to score. The only time they'll pass the ball is to make the "assist" pass for their stats. But nobody wants to make the pass that leads to the assist. Nobody wants to set a screen. In the NBA if they have a play that even involves 3 guys touching the ball anymore, a team is regarded as the second coming of the 70 Knicks, it's pathetic.

Thank God I'm a Spurs fan, or else the NBA would be completely unwatchable. Can you imagine if team Argentina was its own NBA team? They'd never lose. And their whole payroll would be much less than the Knicks.



I couldnt agree anymore with this and couldnt say it any better myself. Its just heartbreaking to see USA basketball turn into what it is now. We have some of the best players in the world and have the best team TALENT wise and cannot get the job done against a tough zone and a pick and roll.

[Kamnik]

melos face expression is priceless

i never liked Melo but he got my respect in the WC

he was the best USA player and didnt jack up shots



there is diference if u can hit shots like Melo and shoot or you CANT HIT and shoot like Wade or Lebron

[Nikos]

Nikos,
You finally came out of the closet. Hehe

I thought they would lose a close game to the USA. But I am happy for them. This can only help Greek basketball. And I like all the Greek guards (Span, Pap, and Diam).

And Sofoklis agent lives near me, and my friend almost got the chance to meet and spend time with him a few years back. That would have been hilarious if he brought Sofo to play ball with us :lol

[10-tka]

:lmao

So now you're going to ride Greek coatails? Thats classic.
What's wrong with that? I'm fan of european basket I'm from Europe and I loved to go in Greece for holiday.

[ponky]

Thank God I'm a Spurs fan, or else the NBA would be completely unwatchable. Can you imagine if team Argentina was its own NBA team? They'd never lose. And their whole payroll would be much less than the Knicks.

That's a wonderful idea, and add Puerto Rico as well. The have Chivas Mexico in MLS so why not an Argentina team in the NBA?

[timvp]

:lol

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

:shootme

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

melos face expression is priceless
I wonder if they posted the photos up yet? It was pretty funny. I bet 24 hours ago he was dreaming about holding that Gold Medal game MVP trophy on Sunday.

[Kori Ellis]

i never liked Melo but he got my respect in the WC

he was the best USA player and didnt jack up shots



there is diference if u can hit shots like Melo and shoot or you CANT HIT and shoot like Wade or Lebron

Before this game, LeBron was shooting 59% from the floor -- highest on the team. And Wade was shooting 54% -- higher than Carmelo. So I don't think you can knock LeBron and Wade's shooting (except Wade should never shoot 3's :lol).

[Kamnik]

:lol

Greece is looked down upon and some don't even consider it to be a true European country.

Now that they beat the US the Euro posters are pretending they are all one big happy continent.

:shootme

i generaly always read your comments and usually agree with you



but what u wrote here is BS-you dont know Europe as much as you think