Team USA and Argentina each look to keep their bids for Olympic gold alive when they clash in quarterfinal action as part of the Summer Games on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Americans have been considered a heavy favorite to win their third straight gold medal and though they went 5-0 in group play, their last three games have been anything but easy. Comprised of some of the top stars in the NBA, Team USA has won its last three games by a combined 16 points.
Team USA manhandled China, 119-62, and followed it up with a 113-69 drubbing of Venezuela to kick off its group schedule, but after that they have struggled mightily.
The team overcame a halftime deficit to topple Australia, 98-88 and barely hang on to defeat Serbia, 94-91.
Last Sunday, it was another dicey performance for Team USA in Brazil. The team narrowly defeated France, 100-97, to close out group play with an unblemished record.
With mjany people questioning whether or not a 2004-esque collapse is on the horzon, Team USA has preached confidence.
"Obviously, everybody wants us to win by a lot of points, but it's not how it's going to go this time," Kevin Durant said last week, according to USA Today Sports. "We've got to be prepared for a grind-out game. We've showed the last three games we can grind it out."
Paul George echoed his teammates' sentiments.
"This isn't a tournament that we're going to just dominate," George said, according to The Associated Press. "There's talent around this world and they're showcasing it."
Team USA led Group A with 10 points in preliminaries, while Argentina placed fourth with eight points. Argentina went 3-2 in Group B play and recently toppled Nigeria, 94-66.
Game Details & Live Stream
Matchup: Team USA vs. Argentina men's basketball Summer Olympics quarterfinal game
Time: 5:45 p.m. ET
Place: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Watch Online: This game can be live streamed for free here.
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