USA vs. Brazil: Game Blog

[timvp]

Time to see what Spurs draft pick Tiago Splitter can do against the big boys. Brazil is arguably the second best team in this tournament, so if the US is going to be pushed at all, it's going to be against Brazil.

Personally, I think the US is going to stomp Brazil by 20+. I'm just hoping that Splitter looks somewhat decent. Hopefully he doesn't look overmatched.

Game to be shown on ESPN2 at 8PM CST.

:hungry:

[2centsworth]

from what I've seen of the kid, he looks real good. He's athletic with basketball smarts. I'm way more stoked about him than I ever was for Scola or Ian.

[Slo spurs fan]

No vBookies so far?

[Phil Hellmuth]

usa 32 pt favorites.

[Solid D]

Some observations thus far with Tiago Splitter. He won't wow you with his scoring. That doesn't seem to be his job on Brazil. His role has been as an enabler, setting middle and side screens, two or three per trip. Brazil occasioinally feeds him in the post or they will back pick for him, but he's not a feature player, per se. On defense, he's pretty smart on his help..he watches the whole court, he sags and anticipates having to help but he's not real aggressive. I have yet to see Tiago beat the ball to the backboard. He is somewhat foul prone.

I doubt he can stay on the floor in this game.

[CubanMustGo]

Meh, Brazil barely got by the USVI yesterday. No contest.

[Dex]

Brazil by 1, Splitter with the go-ahead slam and the game-saving block at the rim on Dwight Howard.

Okay. Maybe not. But it would be interesting to see.

[timvp]

On defense, he's pretty smart on his help..he watches the whole court, he sags and anticipates having to help but he's not real aggressive. I have yet to see Tiago beat the ball to the backboard. He is somewhat foul prone.

I doubt he can stay on the floor in this game.:tu

Agreed. Good defender ... but more Oberto than Robinson.

What is your scouting report on Scola?

:stirpot:

[ArgSpursFan]

:tu



What is your scouting report on Scola?

:stirpot:

So far He is heading to be one of the best PFs in the tournament. :fro

[timvp]

So far He is heading to be one of the best PFs in the tournament. :froWell, to be fair, that was expecting coming into the tournament.

[ArgSpursFan]

Well, to be fair, that was expecting coming into the tournament.

Maybe,but now one thought He was gonna crush the boards the way he is doing it.

[whottt]

Maybe,but now one thought He was gonna crush the boards the way he is doing it.

TimVP did...TimVP is convinced the Spurs turned down Wilt, Hakeem, Kareem, Drob, Tim Duncan, Kobe, Jordan, Gervin, West and AJ for Scola...just so they could throw the Rockets the title this year and save some $$$.


IOW...you are preaching to the choir, because TimVP has a higher opinion of Scola than you do...

[timvp]

TimVP did...TimVP is convinced the Spurs turned down Wilt, Hakeem, Kareem, Drob, Tim Duncan, Kobe, Jordan, Gervin, West and AJ for Scola...just so they could throw the Rockets the title this year and save some $$$.


IOW...you are preaching to the choir, because TimVP has a higher opinion of Scola than you do...

:dramaquee

[ChumpDumper]

So apparently we REALLY missed out on Esteban Batista.

22.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals per game.

He's still available!

Use the rest of the MLE!

Now!

[SequSpur]

yawn....

[jaespur21]

im missing tonights game bcuz of SUMMERSLAM. but its good to know i can read this thread to get filled with the game info

[Mister Sinister]

I'll actually be home to watch this one...w00t!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Tiago will be proven to be a bust tonight.

[ChumpDumper]

Yes, because one non-NBA game played over a year before a player's NBA debut is the sole determinant of that player's NBA career.

[Mister Sinister]

Yes, because one non-NBA game played over a year before a player's NBA debut is the sole determinant of that player's NBA career.
It is, becauses the Spurs traded Scola.

[ChumpDumper]

It is, becauses the Spurs traded Scola.Well, Scola had a bad game last year, so he's already been proven a bust.

[Mister Sinister]

Well, Scola had a bad game last year, so he's already been proven a bust.
Ex*actly!*

[Spurs Brazil]

I want to see if he'll start the game on Carmelo or on Howard

[Switchman]

I want to see him stuff Black Jesus.

[Demo Dick Marcinko]

Tiago will be proven to be a bust tonight.

Ordinarily I would never refute anyone who has a Vince Young avatar. But I gotta disagree with you bro. Tiago has looked far better then Nene. Now that may not be saying much, and Tiago may not wow you with his stats, but he's the type of player that doesn't do anything great, but does everything well.

[Mister Sinister]

I want to see him stuff Black Jesus.
You and me both. It'll be a harbinger of things to come, I hope.

[TwoHandJam]

I'm pleasantly surprised with Splitter so far. He runs the floor really well for a big, maybe even as fast as Elson. He looks to have the tools to be smart on D as he has good lateral speed and is already an ok weak side shot blocker. His man-to-man D also seems to be serviceable since he doesn't seem to get up-faked a lot and is physical in the post.

His rebounding may be his best feature. He hustles for all boards and is especially aggresive on the offensive boards. All in all, there's a lot of upside to him from what I can see given that he's only 22.

He needs to work on his upper body and learn some things on D for his game to translate to the NBA but the raw material is there. A good prospect imo.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

My predictions for tonight:

USA wins.
Whottt and timvp have online drama.
Somebody will find a way to start a war with one of the churchs.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Look at Kobe hustling and divin on the floor!!! :clap :clap :clap

[ashbeeigh]

But kobe, why can't you make every lay-up? :depressed

[ace3g]

Splitter just had a nice bounce pass for a Brazil layup

[Pistons < Spurs]

I wish I didn't hate Mello the person so much. Because Mello the player is a beast.

[ace3g]

good defense by splitter on kobe, getting the offensive foul called on Kobe

[ace3g]

so far splitter looks good just picking up a foul on Carmelo and going to the FT line

[timvp]

Splitter doesn't look like a fish out of water.

Good so far.

[ace3g]

1-2 from the line

[ace3g]

USA up 16 to 10 with 4:51 left in the 1st quarter

[jaffies]

Howard 10x>>> Stoudemire

not just in this tourney either.

[ace3g]

Splitter does a good job of holding his ground and plays basic defense by putting his arms up when someone comes in the lane, he doesn't try anything fancy on the defensive end


and NENE just had a monster dunk

[Kamnik]

go Brazil go! (because of Splitter ofcourse hehe)

[ace3g]

splitter with a nice hook shot after getting a rebound, Prince down with a leg injury

[Pistons < Spurs]

SHIT..........



Tay better not be too hurt.

[Otaku]

What a nice hook from Splitter!!

On the other hand, very selfish game from Barbosa.

[Otaku]

SHIT..........



Tay better not be too hurt.


Hope he's ok. I really like his game.

[ace3g]

Prince being helped to the locker room, not sure how serious it is yet

[timvp]

Hopefully Tayshaun is alright. Don't want to see any injuries in something like this.

[CubanMustGo]

What a nice hook from Splitter!!

On the other hand, very selfish game from Barbosa.

So how did you think he's scored 34 ppg so far? Ain't by sharin' the rock...

[timvp]

Splitter has had a couple soft attempts so far. Needs to take it up stronger against NBA players.

[ace3g]

27-21 USA up after the first quarter

[yavozerb]

Splitter playing really well on the defensive end of floor..

[ace3g]

good to see Splitter is staying out of foul trouble

[CubanMustGo]

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/ivp/index?id=2990273 for anyone who can't watch it on the tube

[picnroll]

Very impressed with Splitter's D. Chips got his work cut out though.

[jaffies]

does barbosa know how to pass?

[ace3g]

splitter with a lay up, he now has 7 pts

[ace3g]

Alex Garcia, Sign Him Up For The Spurs, Never See Beno Do That!!!!

[timvp]

Holy crap. Splitter with some nice hands and took it off the dribble from the three-point line.

Impressive move.

[ace3g]

29-27 USA only up by 2

[KEDA]

exactly WHY did we get rid of Alex Garcia?

[Otaku]

So how did you think he's scored 34 ppg so far? Ain't by sharin' the rock...


27 ppg till today.

[timvp]

Looks like Garcia is healthy.

[ace3g]

nice drive by splitter for the layup

[mavs>spurs2]

Splitter is damn slow, how did he just take Melo off the dribble?

[timvp]

Splitter looking good defensively. Refs letting them play, though.

[anakha]

Man, Splitter's looking good out there, offensively as well.

Two pretty good drives to the basket in the past few minutes.

[dbestpro]

If Splitter hits the weight room, which I know he will in SA he will be a beast.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

garcia is serious

[ace3g]

we need to sign Garcia up, I hope Pop is watching this game

[timvp]

Splitter with another drive from the three-point line for a layup. This guy, with his ability to play out high, is going to be a niiiiiiiiice fit next to Duncan.

[VaSpursFan]

spurs really did their due diligence on splitter...nice pick up. he's gonna be awesome next year

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

so much one on one by usa

[dbestpro]

Brazil needs to keep working thorugh their bigs.

[duncan228]

Splitter I'm liking.

Bill Walton...not so much.

[davi78239]

is this on tv?

[dbestpro]

Splitter kind of plays like a young Walton.

[picnroll]

Barbosa still can't handle the ball. But he thinks he can which is all good for Spurs fans.

[dbestpro]

is this on tv?
espn 2

[yavozerb]

is this on tv?
ESPN2

[VaSpursFan]

is this on tv?

espn2

[anakha]

If Splitter hits the weight room, which I know he will in SA he will be a beast.

To get stronger, yeah. Heavier, maybe not so much.

I think that mobility of his is gonna be a bigger factor in any success he may have in the NBA rather than anything else.

[VaSpursFan]

garcia is back...he looks nice out there

[BeerIsGood!]

Wow, Splitter is actually making me wish we could see him over this coming season. Too bad it won't be until 08-09 season. He's doing well against what is essentially one form of an NBA All Star team. As long as he is aggressive he'll do well on the Spurs.

[Borosai]

It appears the game is blacked out here in PR. Oh well.

[duncan228]

It is nice to see some basketball.
This is the first game I've been able to catch.

[ace3g]

the guards are having trouble handling the ball

[dbestpro]

Brazil took Splitter off the floor and USA takes off.

[timvp]

Brazil needs to put Splitter back in.

:hungry:

[Solid D]

Game will be replayed on NBAtv at 1:00 AM Central Daylight Time.

[dbestpro]

Barbosa is really being exposed.

[VaSpursFan]

Brazil needs to put Splitter back in.

:hungry:

agree...i've been pleasantly surprised by him.

[BeerIsGood!]

Wow, once Splitter sat the middle opened up and the guards were forced to collapse leaving open shots.

[BeerIsGood!]

Game will be replayed on NBAtv at 1:00 AM Central Daylight Time.

It'll probably be replayed at least another two or three times after this initial showing on either ESPNU, NBATV, or ESPNClassic. Every other USA game has been so far.

[timvp]

Bad news for Nuggets fans is Nene looks fat again. Last playoffs his was a monster. Now he's back to the Nene of the rest of his career.

[dbestpro]

Crazy to leave Tiago out htis long.

[timvp]

Watching Kobe attempt to pass the ball is rather funny.

Fish out of water.

[picnroll]

So far Splitter has been the best defender on the court by this ...................................... much.

[dbestpro]

Brazil needs to a little better coaching. Barbosa needs to be set up for the shot and not carrying the ball. Nene is too slow for Brazil to run. They need to leave Splitter on the floor as his hustle is contagious. Brazil guards look lazy.

[yavozerb]

Hope Mahinmi is watching splitter tonight...Better take this coming year at Austin seriously!!

[duncan228]

Chest thumps bug me.

[dbestpro]

Splitter looks good. Brazil looks crappy. Next year's draft not so good. Splitter ROY for 2008-09.

[timvp]

Splitter >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Elson

I bet the Spurs are counting down the days until they can make the swap.

[yavozerb]

Brazil needs to a little better coaching. Barbosa needs to be set up for the shot and not carrying the ball. Nene is too slow for Brazil to run. They need to leave Splitter on the floor as his hustle is contagious. Brazil guards look lazy.
Entire USA all-star team against 2-3 legit brazilian pro players..Did you expect anything else?

[BeerIsGood!]

looks like checkmate on Brazil. What was Splitter's +/- compared to the rest of the team's +/-?

[dbestpro]

Can't find the stat line on FIBA, espn, or NBA.com

[Solid D]

Splitter looked good going strong to his left when everyone was lifted and he was in a one-on-one situation. He's not so good when he goes right, away from his strong hand.

It was fairly obvious when Splitter went to the bench. His team's spacing and screen setting suffered in getting separation from their defenders. They went from down by 5 to down 18 at the half.

[exstatic]

Barbosa is really being exposed.
That already happened in the WC semi finals. :toast

[ABDENOUR POWER]

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/ivp/index?id=2990273 for anyone who can't watch it on the tube

You are the man, thank you so much.

[dbestpro]

It's going to be hard for Splitter to keep playing well as it loos like everyone else has quit playing.

[Solid D]

I hope Tayshaun's sprain isn't too serious. It looked like Tiago banged legs with him going for the rebound there in the first half.

[Pistons < Spurs]

I hope Tayshaun's sprain isn't too serious.
Ditto.

[Switchman]

Nice Tip In!

"Do something with the contract." STFU BILL WALTON


i'd like to see Splitter be a lot more aggressive under the basket at trying to get open.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Bill Walton drives me insane.

[duncan228]

I lasted ten minutes then muted it because of Walton.

[dbestpro]

Nene blows.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Did Billups just block Nene?

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Beautiful, Chauncey!!

[Switchman]

Nene blows.


Wow he just had a wide open dunk under the basket and passed it out while the buzzer went off :nope

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

splitter looks like austin kucher, ha

[dbestpro]

Now I know why Splitter fouls out. He's out there trying to guard everybody elses man.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

So whats his nickname gonna be? i say T-Split

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

oh sanp

[Switchman]

Oh shit, there is my stuff on black jesus!

Nice move to the basket, bad finish.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

threw amare haaaarrrddd

[picnroll]

Amare stuffed by Splitter. Sweeeeett

[Pistons < Spurs]

Nice block by Splitter... shouldn't have been whistled.

[VaSpursFan]

splitter with the nice block on amare

[Mister Sinister]

Oh shit, there is my stuff of black jesus!
HALLE-FUCKING-LLUJAH!

[dbestpro]

Splitter blocked Stoudawinnie clean.

[SpursWillOwn]

Wooooo Near Block By Splitter On Stoudemire

[phxspurfan]

Anyone have a screen capture of that? If not i'll take a digital picture of the highlight and upload it. Coz it was impressive...

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Why do people have to keep screwing up Chauncey's potential assists?

Nice block by Splitter though. Spurs fans have to like that.

[timvp]

Splitter meeting Amare above the rim.

Nice.

[dbestpro]

The officials really blow.

[Mister Sinister]

Anyone have a screen capture of that? If not i'll take a digital picture of the highlight and upload it. Coz it was impressive...
Do it. Nao!

[timvp]

The refs have been embarrasingly in the United States' favor.

[bigfish22]

Splitter's block on Amare was super clean

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

pic! pic! pic!

[dbestpro]

Brazil is way down and Tiago is still hustling from end to end while their guards continue to clang shots and Nene looks for his respirator.

[Solid D]

Okay, Splitter has successfully stepped his game up a level tonight. The fact that they are letting the players play has allowed him to stay in there longer, but he has surprised me. He outmuscled LeBron for that missed FT tip-in and he agressively blocked Amare big-time.

Tiago still watches too much...like he gets A.D.D. (a la David Robinson) but he FINALLY has made the step to the next level. Splitter may acutally get rid of that P word (Potential) if this is how he is going to play against NBA competition. Strong showing.

[dbestpro]

Splitter off the floor again.

[StylisticS]

I like Splitter. Looks like a player. I thought Brazil would give US a game just a bit even into the fourth. I didn't see a 50 point beating like this.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Splitter's been everything I've come to expect form him. I've been downloading games and watching you tube clips for the last year and a half.

He runs the floor very well. Shows the ability to be a creative post player. Uses his footwork to get under the basket. More finesse than power...but always aggressive. Hustles defensively and stays active throughout.

What I was glad to see in this game, is that he has not looked shell shocked. He hasn't been intimidated by team America. The Amare block exemplified that. He truly should be on the Spurs roster this year. He doesn't need to marinate any longer. The boy can play. I'd love to see a buyout occur before the season begins.

I'm still mad we got Afflalo instead of Splitter.....

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

Shut Up Bill Walton

[CubanMustGo]

Meh, Brazil barely got by the USVI yesterday. No contest.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1927655&postcount=6

[Solid D]

Splitter has a contract committment for 1 more year but he is free to go after that. It's not like the Scola deal with Tau.

[dbestpro]

I watched Splitter play in another game and he played the same way. He is going to be a great team player and I cna't wait for him to get some good coaching.

[Mister Sinister]

Walton needs to STFU and stop riding the USA's jock so damn shamelessly. This is disgusting. Mute!

[2centsworth]

.

[Leetonidas]

What are Splitter's stats?

[2centsworth]

as i thought, nice athleticism, good basketball sense, and competitive. Needs to get stronger. Solid NBA material.

[dbestpro]

splitter looks like a steal.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

Mike Redd Is So Good, Don't Know Why That Dude From China Don't Want To Play With Him

[Mister Sinister]

Mike Redd Is So Good, Don't Know Why That Dude From China Don't Want To Play With Him
I thought it was more that the Chinese didn't want Yi in Milwaukee?

[timvp]

Okay, Splitter has successfully stepped his game up a level tonight. The fact that they are letting the players play has allowed him to stay in there longer, but he has surprised me. He outmuscled LeBron for that missed FT tip-in and he agressively blocked Amare big-time.

Tiago still watches too much...like he gets A.D.D. (a la David Robinson) but he FINALLY has made the step to the next level. Splitter may acutally get rid of that P word (Potential) if this is how he is going to play against NBA competition. Strong showing.Agreed. This is the best I've seen Splitter play, especially when considering the competition. He played like he knew he belonged ... which is what I was looking for the most.

In Spain he loafs a lot and doesn't seem to be into it 100% of the time. But perhaps he's one of those players who just needs more of a challenge.

Granted it's only one game but I'm glad Splitter showed he can hang. He still needs to play a little tougher but he's going to be solid in the NBA. Nothing spectacular but something like 10 points and eight rebounds isn't too unrealistic.

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

oh they learned their lesson and will try to do it right this time huh

[MrChug]

VERY clean block by Tiago...bullshit foul.

Amare---fuck off and die along with the rest of you Suns fans :lol

[bigfish22]

I thought it was more that the Chinese didn't want Yi in Milwaukee?


Yup. For all you who think Bill Walton is garbage, he to me is the best story teller of today. Listen to any of his podcasts that he sometimes does on ESPN, or watch the UCLA Dynasty story on HBO, and you'll agree. But earlier in the game, Walton aluded to the Chinese economy being the focus of so many corporations and industries in the world simply because of its enormous size of 1.3 Billion (1 out of every 7 on earth). The Chinese don't see Milwaukee as doing anything for the earning potential of Yi Jianlian, and would like to see him go to at least a mid major market. I'm sure that the NBA is prolly thinking the same thing too. Who would really wanna follow the Bucks? Who in the world actually even knows where Milwaukee is? Or even what a buck is? It's all about money.

[Mister Sinister]

Can't wait for Tiago....

[anakha]

Two good points taken from the game:

1) Splitter looks like he is NBA-ready. Can't wait to see what he can do with the Spurs.

2) Barbosa hasn't learned his lesson from the '07 playoffs. Hard to cherry-pick when you're actually being defended, isn't it? :lol

[picnroll]

Hopefully Splitter will be a Biendris level player.

[timvp]

Hopefully Splitter will be a Biendris level player.Decent comparison but Biedrins >>>> Splitter. More athletic, better rebounder and tools to be a better defender. And younger.

[wildbill2u]

Too bad they played Splitter out beyond the 3 pt arc all night. And his teammates seemed to freeze him out, didn't give him the ball at all in the second half or try to set up pick and rolls.

But he kept hustling and going after rebounds and covering up his teammates defensive lapses. Put Billups out of the game by going for a rebound hard. I like this kid.

[timvp]

Box Score (http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamericas.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAmer/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/10/groupname/B/langid//langlc//roundid/5730/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)

Splitter finished with 13 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes. Led the team in both points and rebounds.

The box score has him down for no assists ... but I distinctly remember one. Splitter also got credit for the only block on the night for Brazil, yet I remember more than just one block by their team.

I guess the refs and the stat keeper had it out for them :dizzy

[nfg3]

Splitter played well. I liked his defensive position, nice back door pass and took the charge against Kobe. The block on Amare was good and the foul bogus. With our coaching staff this guy can only get better. Needs a few more pounds and work on his mid range jump shot. This is more and more looking like a steal for us. He wiil fit well into our system.

Garcia looked nice and e seems to have overcome his injury. Wonder if he can be gotten or at least brought to training camp. Don't know his contract status which wold tell a lot. Better than Beno.

Barbosa - will he ever get it? No Nash to set him up and he can't create his own shot. Ball hog to say the least.

Hope T Prince's ankle gets better. From what I saw it didn't look serious. Hope that's the case. Love his game.

[ducks]

splitter>scola

[Typhoon]

splitter>scola

Scola>Splitter

[picnroll]

Offense - Scola >>> Splitter
Defense - Splitter >>> Scola

[Solid D]

splitter>scola

I think it will be interesting seeing a Brazilian and one or two Argentines on the same Spurs team and how well they interact, both on and off the court.

[LavaLamp]

I think it will be interesting seeing a Brazilian and one or two Argentines on the same Spurs team and how well they interact, both on and off the court.


I have been wondering about that myself. Though Splitter ethnically really looks more Argentine than Brazilian.

[Medvedenko]

Splitter looked pretty good...but this game shows the USA's determination to play D and it all starts with Kobe....

[ChumpDumper]

I know Argentina has already advanced, but Panama is giving them problems.

69-61 Panama with 7:20 left.

Scola just got his fourth foul.

[ChumpDumper]

Panama blew its lead with horrible choke turnovers, but recovered. It's going into overtime. Scola and Lloreda have fouled out.

[Spurs Brazil]

I think it will be interesting seeing a Brazilian and one or two Argentines on the same Spurs team and how well they interact, both on and off the court.

It won't be a problem. Tiago and Scola are best friends in Spain

I'm very happy with Tiago. His defense is really good and the guy love to go after rebs. Spurs don't have a player who likes to go to the glass like Tiago. He needs to improve his ofense game but he'll work with the best TD and I think he can learn a lot.

Alex is loking good too. I hope some team give him a chance on training camp.

Nene is fat again and Leandro showed what he does best, choke, like he did in the WC Semis.

[ArgSpursFan]

ok,before the tournament I thought Argentina wasn´t gonna make it in Vegas,playing without Manu,Oberto,Nocioni,Herrmann,Sanchez,Volkowisky etc...
But now,after 4 games,I started to belive we can steal the 2nd place from Brazil.
Too bad our Dream team is not available right now............USA team would´ve been a peace of cake for us. :fro

[RobinsontoDuncan]

ok,before the tournament I thought Argentina wasn´t gonna make it in Vegas,playing without Manu,Oberto,Nocioni,Herrmann,Sanchez,Volkowisky etc...
But now,after 4 games,I started to belive we can steal the 2nd place from Brazil.
Too bad our Dream team is not available right now............USA team would´ve been a peace of cake for us. :fro


No.

[ArgSpursFan]

No.

never say never baby.

[wildchild]

Offense - Scola >>> Splitter
Defense - Splitter >>> Scola

I agree.
Different out offense/D, Splitter's young (21/22?) and years to improve. Scola isn't so young. And their roles in the team are different. Scola need be points/leader and his own play. Splitter's a role player.

Because of that Splitter'll fit great in the Spurs, Scola not.

[Darkwaters]

So do we have a picture yet of Amare getting shut down by Tiago?

[samikeyp]

Too bad our Dream team is not available right now............USA team would´ve been a peace of cake for us

Built in excuse. I hope they are their in Beijing. I saw something I didn't see in 04 or last summer. Anger. Not "why are these guys on the same court with us" indignation, but pure "you stole something from us" anger.

If the US takes that to China next summer...the rest of the world will be playing for Silver.

[freedom&justice]

Built in excuse. I hope they are their in Beijing. I saw something I didn't see in 04 or last summer. Anger. Not "why are these guys on the same court with us" indignation, but pure "you stole something from us" anger.

If the US takes that to China next summer...the rest of the world will be playing for Silver.

Absolutely. Even with a 30+ point lead, you still see guys hustling and running after every loose ball. That's intensity; that's desire. It's more fun to watch than any all-star game.

Side note: Did anyone catch Kobe say "They can't score. They can't score." at the end of the 3rd quarter? And Amare (I think) yelling "Ball don't lie. Ball don't lie." while Splitter/Barbosa was shooting FTs? These guys are having a load of fun.

[samikeyp]

Absolutely. Even with a 30+ point lead, you still see guys hustling and running after every loose ball. That's intensity; that's desire. It's more fun to watch than any all-star game.

Exactly. I have never seen Kobe dive for a ball before last night. Also when you hear Kobe yelling "don't let up" when they are up 35. Forbodes well.

[samikeyp]

Side note: Did anyone catch Kobe say "They can't score. They can't score." at the end of the 3rd quarter? And Amare (I think) yelling "Ball don't lie. Ball don't lie." while Splitter/Barbosa was shooting FTs? These guys are having a load of fun

I missed that. Good stuff.





Although, I admit I felt a little dirty after I yelled... "Go Kobe!" It was just not natural! :lol

[wildchild]

ok,before the tournament I thought Argentina wasn´t gonna make it in Vegas,playing without Manu,Oberto,Nocioni,Herrmann,Sanchez,Volkowisky etc...
But now,after 4 games,I started to belive we can steal the 2nd place from Brazil.
Too bad our Dream team is not available right now............USA team would´ve been a peace of cake for us. :fro

I think USA team win in the game for third place World Championship 2006 perhaps argie players was grind/crush physical before lost Spain for 1.
Rested and the roster complete (with Manu, Noc, Oberto, and other guys), they win to USA or any team. I like so much argie bsk, it seems Spurs way.
Also Spain National Team would win to USA. The present Argentine National Team, not.
Even though USA 2007>USAteam 2006.

[freedom&justice]

I missed that. Good stuff.





Although, I admit I felt a little dirty after I yelled... "Go Kobe!" It was just not natural! :lol

:lol I've always been a fan of Kobe's game, but this tournament's really been a revelation. He's really bringing it. Too bad the Lakers still suck. :smokin

[RobinsontoDuncan]

never say never baby.

The US has never sent a complete team, like the one on the floor right now, to an international competition and not won.

If this team had been assembled as is in 2004 USA would have won the gold

[mardigan]

Watching Kobe play has been awesome, as well as Jason Kidd, who has shot the ball like 3 times the whole tourney and still can make a huge difference, not sure the US has ever had a plyer that could do that on the squad.

Side note, if Mike Miller was a Spur he would be one of my all time favorite Spurs

[Solid D]

The US has never sent a complete team, like the one on the floor right now, to an international competition and not won.

If this team had been assembled as is in 2004 USA would have won the gold

Perhaps, but the teams the USA are playing right now look nothing like what they will see in the Olympics. Argentina is missing 4 of its top 6. Greece, Spain, and Italy are great, great teams. I doubt this team would put a 40-point blowout on Argentina with Ginobili, Oberto, Nocioni, and Herrmann added to the roster.

[samikeyp]

I doubt this team would put a 40-point blowout on Argentina with Ginobili, Oberto, Nocioni, and Herrmann added to the roster

I agree but I still like the US chances for a win.

[ChumpDumper]

Too bad our Dream team is not available right now............USA team would´ve been a peace of cake for us. :froTypical hypocrite.

[Testing]

How do you guys feel about Argentina if they play in the Olympics with all their main players..........Kobe will definitely be on Ginobili and with the way he has been playing defense, he will effectively shut Ginobili down. And if Ginobili doesn't get it going for Argentina, they'll be a lot easier for USA to beat.

Thoughts on this?

[ChumpDumper]

My thought is each team is not comprised of one player.

[samikeyp]

How do you guys feel about Argentina if they play in the Olympics with all their main players..........Kobe will definitely be on Ginobili and with the way he has been playing defense, he will effectively shut Ginobili down. And if Ginobili doesn't get it going for Argentina, they'll be a lot easier for USA to beat.

Thoughts on this?

I think that it will be a good game and a tough test for the US. I do, however, think the US would win that matchup.

And those Argie fans who are about to drop the "arrogant American" card (not all of you but you know who you are) that is dropped everytime a US fan roots for Team USA...don't. I am not saying that Argentina can't win or has no shot, I just like the USA in that matchup.

[Medvedenko]

Argentina has a great team, no doubt...they already proved it. Now you put their best against the US best.....I still believe US will win by 20.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Splitter is the new Mahinmi

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

nice off. reb by tiago

[Obstructed_View]

Too bad our USA hating officials are not available right now............USA team would´ve been a peace of cake for us. :fro

[incansables]

:dramaquee