U.S.A.-Spain gold medal game: First-Half Impressions
Dwyane Wade has 21 points as the U.S. men's basketball team leads Spain 69-61 at halftime. The Americans are shooting 65% from the floor but still can't seem to shake the Spaniards who have hung tough throughout, despite playing without Jose Calderon who is out with an injury. Team U.S.A. has played uncharacteristically soft defense in the first-half unlike every other game in this tournament; both teams are getting almost any shot they want.
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant each picked up two fouls in a game that has been full of quick whistles. Luckily for the Americans, Wade once again came to the rescue and has given the team the spark it needed off the bench. If Team U.S.A. can pick up its effort on the defensive end, they should be able to pull away in the second half. The Americans are much deeper than the Spanish team and should have more energy towards the end of the game.
If the U.S. allows Spain to hang around though, it will be interesting to see how the Americans respond.
Photo via Getty Images
