Separating out the major team sports like hockey and basketball from the main Olympics discussion usually works well, so I wanted to start this thread now - use it for exhibition and actual Olympics basketball discussion.
Some good news, coverage wise -- I believe all the Team USA games before the medal round will air on NBCSN, so people outside the ET/CT zones won't get the dreaded NBC tape-delay. I'm not sure about the medal round though. Everything is available live online regardless. I also think there is a Olympic Basketball Channel for a lot of carriers like there was in 2008.
I'm no NBA fan, but I really enjoyed watching the 2008 team. Coach K had them play unselfishly and as a team. They really need to improve on their foul shooting though (which is what saved them in the last gold medal game vs. Spain).
The Team USA roster will be announced tonight on NBA TV at 7p.
Men's Team USA Olympic group schedule (EDT):
SUN 7/29 - USA vs. France - 9:30am
TUE 7/31 - USA vs. Tunisia - 5:15pm
THU 8/2 - USA vs. Nigeria - 5:15pm
SAT 8/4 - USA vs. Lithuania - 9:30am
MON 8/6 - USA vs. Argentina - 5:15pm
Re: Qualifiers....
The qualifying tournament for men's basketball is this weekend. Greece, the #4 ranked country in the world, was upset in their quarterfinal matchup to Nigeria by 1 point, so they're eliminated from contention.
Semis tonight (on NBA TV) are Nigeria vs. Russia and Lithuania vs. Dominican Republic. Winners qualify for the Olympics, losers face off for the 3rd and final spot in London.
Final Pools (round-robin, July 29 - August 6) (FIBA world-ranking in ( ) ):
Pool A
Argentina (3)
France (12)
Lithuania (5)
Nigeria (21)
Tunisia (32)
United States (1)
Pool B
Australia (9)
Brazil (13)
China (10)
Great Britain (43)
Russia (11)
Spain (2)
Full Olympic Schedule (EDT) (All games broadcast online and the OBC, where available):
Sunday, July 29 - preliminary round
Nigeria vs Tunisia - 4:00 AM
Brazil vs Australia - 6:15 AM (NBCSN)
United States vs France - 9:30 AM (NBCSN)
Spain vs China - 11:45 AM (NBCSN)
Russia vs Great Britain - 3:00 PM:
Argentina vs Lithuania - 5:15 PM (NBCSN)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - preliminary round
China vs Russia - 4:00 AM
Australia vs Spain - 6:15 AM
Lithuania vs Nigeria - 9:30 AM (MSNBC)
Great Britain vs Brazil - 11:45 AM
France vs Argentina - 3:00 PM (NBCSN)
Tunisia vs United States - 5:15 PM (NBCSN)
Thursday, August 02, 2012 - preliminary round
France vs Lithuania - 4:00 AM (NBCSN)
Australia vs China - 6:15 AM
Argentina vs Tunisia - 9:30 AM
Brazil vs Russia - 11:45 AM (NBCSN)
Spain vs Great Britain - 3:00 PM:
United States vs Nigeria - 5:15 PM (NBCSN)
Saturday, August 04, 2012 - preliminary round
Tunisia vs France - 4:00 AM
Russia vs Spain - 6:15 AM
Lithuania vs United States - 9:30 AM (NBCSN)
China vs Brazil - 11:45 AM
Great Britain vs Australia - 3:00 PM
Nigeria vs Argentina - 5:15 PM (NBCSN)
Monday, August 06, 2012 - preliminary round
Australia vs Russia - 4:00 AM (NBCSN)
Tunisia vs Lithuania - 6:15 AM
France vs Nigeria - 9:30 AM (NBCSN)
Great Britain vs China - 11:45 AM
Spain vs Brazil - 3:00 PM (MSNBC)
Argentina vs United States - 5:15 PM (NBCSN)
Wednesday, August 08, 2012 - Quarterfinals
Quarterfinal - 9:00 AM (NBCSN)
Quarterfinal - 11:15 AM (NBCSN)
Quarterfinal - 3:00 PM (NBCSN)
Quarterfinal - 5:15 PM (NBCSN)
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Bronze Medal Gmae - 6:00 AM (NBCSN)
Gold Medal Game - 10:00 AM (NBC)
Red Dog
07-07-12, 03:59 PM
Team USA exhibition schedule:
7/12 -- Domincan Republic (at Las Vegas)
7/16 -- Brazil (at Washington, D.C.)
7/19 -- Great Britain (at Manchester, England)
7/22 -- Argentina (at Barcelona, Spain)
7/24 -- Spain (at Barcelona, Spain)
Red Dog
07-07-12, 06:20 PM
Team USA Roster:
Kobe Bryant, G *
LeBron James, F *
Carmelo Anthony, F *
Chris Paul, G *
Deron Williams, G *
Kevin Durant, F
Russell Westbrook, G
Kevin Love, F
<STRIKE>Blake Griffin, F</strike>
Andre Iguodala, F
Tyson Chandler, C
James Harden, G
Anthony Davis, C
* 2008 Gold Medalists
Decker
07-07-12, 06:56 PM
So they left Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon and the still-injured Anthony Davis off the roster. I think that's the right decision. I might have gone with Gay over Iguodala, but it's not a game-changer either way. Shame so many of our best players are injured (doubt we'd be talking about either Gay or Iguodala if Bosh were healthy), but we should still be fine. Spain will be tough, though (unless Pau plays the Olympics like he's tackled the playoffs the past two seasons).
Red Dog
07-07-12, 07:08 PM
I can't wait for them to play Spain again. Is Calderon still a factor with them? He didn't play in the last gold game IIRC. Unlike the last Olympics, they are in the opposite group (but they do play them in an exhibition beforehand).
Honestly, I have no idea who Iguodala is. No secret that I don't follow the NBA and I can't remember him in college hoops. I can't wait to see Kevin Love -- I think he is tailor-made for the international game. This is a good looking team -- I assume Chris Paul has matured and learned from Jason Kidd last go-around. Then I wonder about a potential 5-some of LeBron-Kobe-Carmelo-Durant-Love on the floor.
It is too bad Davis got hurt. I would have loved to see him defend the paint.
fumanstan
07-07-12, 07:21 PM
Thanks for this, looking forward to seeing Team USA play. I'm disappointed we won't get Wade, Bosh, and Howard since it means we won't get the best players in the world like we did in 2008.
I think the last guys that made the team were good picks too; I like having the defender in Iguodala over Gay or the undersized Gordon, and despite having size I don't think a college player would be able to do anything on this kind of team. I'm interested in seeing Love play too, love how his game has developed.
bootsy
07-07-12, 07:48 PM
Thanks for this, looking forward to seeing Team USA play. I'm disappointed we won't get Wade, Bosh, and Howard since it means we won't get the best players in the world like we did in 2008.
I think the last guys that made the team were good picks too; I like having the defender in Iguodala over Gay or the undersized Gordon, and despite having size I don't think a college player would be able to do anything on this kind of team. I'm interested in seeing Love play too, love how his game has developed.
Add to that Rose but I get what you are saying. Having those 4 plus a combination of 8 players off this team would be fun to watch.
LaxBandit
07-07-12, 09:41 PM
Team USA exhibition schedule:
7/12 -- Domincan Republic (at Las Vegas) - LIVE - 9:00 pm ET - ESPN2.
7/16 -- Brazil (at Washington, D.C.) - LIVE - 8:00 pm ET - ESPN2.
7/19 -- Great Britain (at Manchester, England) - LIVE - 2:00 pm ET - ESPN2.
7/22 -- Argentina (at Barcelona, Spain) - Same Day-Tape Delay - 11:59 pm ET- ESPN2.
7/24 -- Spain (at Barcelona, Spain) - LIVE - 4:30 pm ET - ESPN2.
LB: Added time/channel for each game. All games are LIVE except for the Argentina game on
Sunday, July 22 which will be same day-tape delay later that night at 11:59 pm ET on ESPN2.
Game is scheduled for 3:30 pm ET - there may be LIVE coverage on ESPN3.com/WatchESPN.com
No LIVE coverage on ESPN due to a LIVE NASCAR Race and no LIVE coverage on ESPN2 due to
LIVE Tennis Finals. (I would have had ABC televised the game then LIVE.)
B.A.
07-07-12, 11:02 PM
Thanks for this, looking forward to seeing Team USA play. I'm disappointed we won't get Wade, Bosh, and Howard since it means we won't get the best players in the world like we did in 2008.
I think the last guys that made the team were good picks too; I like having the defender in Iguodala over Gay or the undersized Gordon, and despite having size I don't think a college player would be able to do anything on this kind of team. I'm interested in seeing Love play too, love how his game has developed.
I laughed when you said Bosh and then best players in the world.
I might watch these games for Deron Williams.
fumanstan
07-07-12, 11:15 PM
I laughed when you said Bosh and then best players in the world.
Not sure why you would, he's most definitely one of the best American power forwards in the game right now. I know Bosh gets a lot of shit, but honestly these days he's probably criminally underrated, and Miami struggling through the playoffs when he was out showed that. :shrug:
Arpeggi
07-08-12, 12:34 AM
Bosh was better for team usa than Dwight Howard in 2008. He's definitely among the worlds best players.
WallyOPD
07-08-12, 12:47 AM
Honestly, I have no idea who Iguodala is. No secret that I don't follow the NBA and I can't remember him in college hoops.
-ohbfrank- He played 2 years at Arizona (freshman on the '03 Elite Eight team).
astrochimp
07-08-12, 08:20 AM
No Laettner?
Red Dog
07-08-12, 10:49 AM
-ohbfrank- He played 2 years at Arizona (freshman on the '03 Elite Eight team).
:lol:
Start your games earlier than 11p ET. ;)
Deftones
07-08-12, 11:12 AM
Nice to see Harden on the team. Hope they win so he can get a gold. :up:
Red Dog
07-08-12, 12:01 PM
Re: Qualifiers....
The qualifying tournament for men's basketball is this weekend. Greece, the #4 ranked country in the world, was upset in their quarterfinal matchup to Nigeria by 1 point, so they're eliminated from contention.
Semis tonight (on NBA TV) are Nigeria vs. Russia and Lithuania vs. Dominican Republic. Winners qualify for the Olympics, losers face off for the 3rd and final spot in London.
RUS and LTU won their games last night and have qualified for the Olympics. Nigeria and D.R. meet today for the final spot.
Given that the Clippers just gave him a $95M contract, yeah, I think it's likely they shut him down.
First exhibition game is tonight at 9 (vs. D.R.) on ESPN.
Red Dog
07-12-12, 08:27 PM
Impressive outside shooting so far.
Red Dog
07-13-12, 09:24 AM
Impressive outside shooting so far.
They feasted on the shorter 3pt distance. Shooting about 40% from 3pt range. DR played a zone. If you zone this team and they shoot 40% from 3, they're unbeatable.
It will be interesting to see what Spain does against them. They have a definite size advantage. But one thing I didn't realize -- they mentioned last night that Rubio isn't playing this year. Is he hurt or something?
starman9000
07-13-12, 09:27 AM
Yeah, he blew out his knee and won't be back until maybe early in the NBA season. It would have been fun to watch him on the Spanish team.
Red Dog
07-16-12, 09:05 AM
Some good news, coverage wise -- I believe all the Team USA games before the medal round will air on NBCSN, so people outside the ET/CT zones won't get the dreaded NBC tape-delay. I'm not sure about the medal round though. Everything is available live online regardless. I also think there is a Olympic Basketball Channel for a lot of carriers like there was in 2008.
Update:
Acc'd to the DTV forum on dbstalk.com, DTV will not have the Basketball (nor Soccer) channel this time. That's unfortunate. Given that Comcrap now owns NBC, I'm not exactly surprised.
So not every basketball game will be available to DTV viewers on TV. They will all be live online. All Team USA games will be on NBCSN (all the women's games will be on either NBC or NBCSN). There will be some non-USA games on NBCSN and MSNBC as well.
The quarterfinals, seminfinals, and Bronze Medal game will all be aired live on NBCSN. The Gold Medal game will be aired live on NBC (to all time zones).
Red Dog
07-16-12, 07:03 PM
Durant coming off the bench again tonight. This should be a better test than D.R.
Red Dog
07-16-12, 07:20 PM
17-9 BRA. No get a TO-BABY in FIBA. Need a totally dead ball.
Red Dog
07-16-12, 07:24 PM
I like the bench more than the starters. rotfl
Nefarious
07-16-12, 07:35 PM
Red Dog, are you talking to yourself?
Red Dog
07-16-12, 07:39 PM
Red Dog, are you talking to yourself?
Apparently. People would rather compare this team to '92. Those in that thread should be watching this actual real-life game that is happening. rotfl
Red Dog
07-16-12, 07:44 PM
It took 17 minutes for USA to hit a 3. But hey, they're within 1.
Red Dog
07-16-12, 07:55 PM
Very impressed with LeBron's D this quarter. USA with a 20-5 period. Up 5 at the half.
Nefarious
07-16-12, 08:35 PM
Getting sloppy late in the third.
Red Dog
07-16-12, 08:36 PM
I like the way USA picked up the D after Q1. But offensively, this team is sloppy. It is a Duke kind of team - extremely reliant on the 3, particularly if they don't get fast breaks.
Nefarious
07-16-12, 08:43 PM
The passing is sloppy, too. You can tell they are only playing in 4th gear, though.
fumanstan
07-16-12, 08:49 PM
Nice dunk Lebron.
Red Dog
07-19-12, 04:47 PM
Deron Williams replaced Chris Paul in the starting lineup and a great game today vs GBR shooting 7/8, 5/6 from 3, and 5 assists. USA won by 40. GBR is terrible though. They actually played a rules of the game video for the British crowd in pregame. :lol:
Now come the real tuneup games vs. ARG and ESP.
Red Dog
07-20-12, 11:34 AM
Odds are out (YMMV):
USA 1-8
Spain 9-2
France 11-2
Russia 17-2
Argentina 10-1
Lithuania 15-1
Brazil 25-1
Australia 35-1
Great Britain 50-1
China 75-1
Nigeria 150-1
Tunisia 250-1
Red Dog
07-23-12, 08:31 AM
They sure didn't have an easy time vs. ARG yesterday. That's a team they beat by 19 in 2008.
wishbone
07-23-12, 08:43 AM
Apparently. People would rather compare this team to '92. Those in that thread should be watching this actual real-life game that is happening. rotflIs the Gold Medal game the only network broadcast game?
Red Dog
07-23-12, 08:45 AM
Yes.
Red Dog
07-23-12, 08:49 AM
Update:
Acc'd to the DTV forum on dbstalk.com, DTV will not have the Basketball (nor Soccer) channel this time. That's unfortunate. Given that Comcrap now owns NBC, I'm not exactly surprised.
So not every basketball game will be available to DTV viewers on TV. They will all be live online. All Team USA games will be on NBCSN (all the women's games will be on either NBC or NBCSN). There will be some non-USA games on NBCSN and MSNBC as well.
The quarterfinals, seminfinals, and Bronze Medal game will all be aired live on NBCSN. The Gold Medal game will be aired live on NBC (to all time zones).
Update:
It looks like DTV will have those channels - as 751 and 752 have been set up in the program guides.
Calculon
07-23-12, 05:40 PM
They sure didn't have an easy time vs. ARG yesterday. That's a team they beat by 19 in 2008.
Team USA was destroying them midway through the third quarter. They took their foot off the gas and let Argentina claw closer at the end, but the result was never in doubt.
Bill Needle
07-23-12, 06:28 PM
Update:
It looks like DTV will have those channels - as 751 and 752 have been set up in the program guides.
Just noticed that too. Nice.
Bill Needle
07-23-12, 06:30 PM
Team USA was destroying them midway through the third quarter. They took their foot off the gas and let Argentina claw closer at the end, but the result was never in doubt.
Yeah, the USA was never in danger of losing. They led most of the game by 12 to 18 points as I recall (I wasn't watching that close).
Red Dog
07-24-12, 09:06 AM
It was down to 4 or 5 with about 3 minutes left.
Red Dog
07-24-12, 04:15 PM
Carmelo is basically single-handedly winning this game.
Red Dog
07-24-12, 04:21 PM
I will give the USA defense credit. They were much more aggressive in the 2nd Q. USA has an 8 point lead at the half, thanks to a 27-17 2nd Q. Similar to the Brazil game.
Red Dog
07-24-12, 05:25 PM
Now this was a solid performance, particularly defensively. Spain was short a Gasol brother though. But you can really see they miss Rubio.
Sunday, July 29 - preliminary round
Nigeria vs Tunisia - 4:00 AM (OBC)
Brazil vs Australia - 6:15 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
United States vs France - 9:30 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
Spain vs China - 11:45 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
Russia vs Great Britain - 3:00 PM (OBC)
Argentina vs Lithuania - 5:15 PM (NBCSN/OBC)
Line is USA -25
ARG/LTU should be the best game of the day on Sunday.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 07:04 AM
The Aussies won't go away.
starman9000
07-29-12, 07:12 AM
Damn, kicking that ball really screwed them, though it would have been tough anyway.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 07:14 AM
Patty Mills almost coming up for the huge steal for the Aussies. Good seeing him again.
BRA hangs on to win. That's a big win since after Spain, you basically have 4 teams fighting for 3 spots in that pool.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 08:33 AM
Pretty opening play by USA.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 08:39 AM
Awesome pass!
fumanstan
07-29-12, 08:39 AM
Woke up at 6:30 just to watch this. Sleepy!
Red Dog
07-29-12, 08:49 AM
The Frenchies are more athletic than I thought they would be. They actually match up fairly well with USA. The outside shooting - either USA is hot or not. Fortunately, they are getting good penetration and inside looks.
You also gotta love that there are no TV timeouts in this.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 08:57 AM
The foul shooting is atrocious on both ends.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 09:26 AM
This team loves the 2nd quarter.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 09:34 AM
-12 2nd half. Hmmmm.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 10:23 AM
Solid effort. Glad I didn't take -12 2nd half.
It will be interesting to see if they cover the 25.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 12:18 PM
ESP finally starting to pull away from pesky China.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 04:36 PM
LTU/ARG pretty much the game I expected so far. Sounds like a LTU home game.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 05:00 PM
Nice 3 at the halftime buzzer.
Red Dog
07-29-12, 06:00 PM
ARG -4.5 pays. :thumbsup: Very impressive. Ginobili looked great. Key win. Figure they beat TUN and NGR, so if they beat FRA, that should give them 2nd in Group A and would avoid USA until a potential gold medal game.
sinned
07-29-12, 08:55 PM
Never realized France had so many current/former NBA players. Is there a listing of NBA players per team?
Lithuania has some pretty ladies :)
LaxBandit
07-30-12, 06:18 AM
Never realized France had so many current/former NBA players. Is there a listing of NBA players per team?
Record 41 current players to compete in 2012 Olympics -
http://www.nba.com/2012/news/07/27/nba-players-in-2012-olympics/index.html
(LB: Click on the link above for the complete list)
A record 41 NBA players will be featured on national team rosters for the basketball tournament
at the 2012 Olympic Games, up from 28 in 2008.
The games will also showcase a record 18 former NBA players on team rosters bringing the total number
of current and former players competing to 59. This year's rosters also represent the most-ever national
teams with NBA representation, with 11 of the 12 teams having at least one current NBA player.
Twenty-one NBA teams have players represented on national team rosters with the San Antonio Spurs
topping the list with six. Oklahoma City Thunder has four, while the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto
Raptors, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers each have three players competing. Three NBA
teams (Hornets, Lakers, and Wizards) have two players in the tournament.
Outside of the United States, France has the most NBA players on its roster with six, followed by Spain
with five. Brazil and Argentina both feature four NBA players on team rosters.
Red Dog
07-30-12, 11:05 AM
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - preliminary round
China vs Russia - 4:00 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
Australia vs Spain - 6:15 AM (OBC)
Lithuania vs Nigeria - 9:30 AM (OBC)
Great Britain vs Brazil - 11:45 AM (OBC)
France vs Argentina - 3:00 PM (NBCSN/OBC)
Tunisia vs United States - 5:15 PM (NBCSN/OBC)
Lines:
RUS -16.5
ESP -12.5
LTU -9
BRA -12
ARG -5
USA -54.5 rotfl
Larry C.
07-30-12, 11:57 AM
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - preliminary round
China vs Russia - 4:00 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
Australia vs Spain - 6:15 AM (OBC)
Lithuania vs Nigeria - 9:30 AM (OBC)
Great Britain vs Brazil - 11:45 AM (OBC)
France vs Argentina - 3:00 PM (NBCSN/OBC)
Tunisia vs United States - 5:15 PM (NBCSN/OBC)
Lines:
RUS -16.5
ESP -12.5
LTU -9
BRA -12
ARG -5
USA -54.5 rotfl
:lol: I wish I was the coach of Tunisia and take the points. I would play slow ball and just milk the shot clock and dump it to my bigs down low until Chandler got into foul trouble.
Then we would only lose by 49-50 and I could make some money!
Red Dog
07-30-12, 09:49 PM
I'm really thinking about taking the points tomorrow. Or I might do some goofy parlay.
sinned
07-31-12, 02:31 AM
LaxBandit - thanks for the link!
Red Dog - is there still a place online that I can legally bet? Or do you live in Vegas?
Red Dog
07-31-12, 06:04 AM
Good game between ESP and AUS.
Ironically, you can't bet the Olympics in Vegas. You can thank John McCain for that.
http://www.drf.com/news/tuley-vegas-books-get-no-shot-gold-olympics
Red Dog
07-31-12, 06:23 AM
Well there's obviously no 7 second delay as the Aussie coach screams "what the fuck" at his players during the timeout. :lol: Spain off to a great 2nd half start.
Red Dog
07-31-12, 11:09 AM
Brazil only managed 4 pts in the 1st Q vs. GBR? :hscratch:
Red Dog
07-31-12, 04:49 PM
TUN hanging in there. Figures....I have them +53.5 but in a parlay that I already lost with the ARG loss to FRA.
FRA is in great shape to finish 2nd in the group now and thus avoid USA again until a potential gold medal game.
starman9000
07-31-12, 05:24 PM
Please don't be hurt Love. :(
Red Dog
07-31-12, 05:55 PM
Please don't be hurt Love. :(
I get the feeling that's how NBA fans with players on this team and others see the Olympics. :lol: Looks like he's back in the game.
Congrats to Tunisia for covering. By 7 pts. :lol: And now they get autographs.
Damn you Argentina. :mad:
starman9000
07-31-12, 05:58 PM
Yep, came back in and was draining 3s.
Decker
07-31-12, 10:29 PM
During the primetime broadcast I just saw the result of the dumbest online poll ever : Would you rather call the 2012 Men's Basketball team the "Regime Team" or the "Esteem Team"? The latter won by 4:1, but I predict that "Neither" would have been the runaway winner if it were a choice.
Red Dog
08-01-12, 08:10 AM
During the primetime broadcast I just saw the result of the dumbest online poll ever : Would you rather call the 2012 Men's Basketball team the "Regime Team" or the "Esteem Team"? The latter won by 4:1, but I predict that "Neither" would have been the runaway winner if it were a choice.
When did ESPN take over broadcasting the Olympics?
Red Dog
08-01-12, 11:32 AM
Thursday, August 02, 2012 - preliminary round
France vs Lithuania - 4:00 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
Australia vs China - 6:15 AM (OBC)
Argentina vs Tunisia - 9:30 AM (OBC)
Brazil vs Russia - 11:45 AM (NBCSN/OBC)
Spain vs Great Britain - 3:00 PM (OBC)
United States vs Nigeria - 5:15 PM (NBCSN/OBC)
Standings:
USA 2-0
ARG 1-1
LTU 1-1
NGR 1-1
FRA 1-1
TUN 0-2
RUS 2-0
ESP 2-0
BRA 2-0
AUS 0-2
GBR 0-2
CHN 0-2
So they key games would appear to be:
LTU/FRA - battle for 2nd, moreso for FRA (and avoiding USA until a gold medal game)
BRA/RUS - would likely clinch at least 2nd in the group
AUS/CHN - that should decide the final quarterfinal spot out of that group.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 06:57 AM
So they key games would appear to be:
LTU/FRA - battle for 2nd, moreso for FRA (and avoiding USA until a gold medal game)
AUS/CHN - that should decide the final quarterfinal spot out of that group.
FRA was impressive once again today. Watched the 2nd half and they dominated from mid-way through the 3rd quarter on. With a 2-1 record and only TUN and NGR left, that should give them 2nd in the group. They have an excellent chance to medal.
The Aussies roll China. They are likely going to be USA's quarterfinal opponent in the knockout round.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 12:53 PM
Fantastic final minute in the BRA/RUS game. An onions game-winning shot by the Ruskie. All nylon.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 04:25 PM
GBR comes very close to pulling a huge upset over ESP. Luol Deng hit a three to get them to 79-78 with 5 seconds left but then never fouled ESP who was able to dribble the clock out.
devilshalo
08-02-12, 04:36 PM
US shooting the 3 ball well early.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 04:40 PM
No need to spoil. It's live everywhere.
USA with 49 in the 1st Q. 72 pts total - hope you all have the Over. :lol:
devilshalo
08-02-12, 04:41 PM
Is it? I never know what is on and what isn't. I get tired searching the channels.
starman9000
08-02-12, 04:43 PM
Yeah, NBCSC. Handball game is better.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 04:59 PM
Only 29 in the 2nd? You suck, 2nd stringers.
devilshalo
08-02-12, 05:05 PM
13 3s made.. :lol: And fucking with the rookie. :rotfl:
Bill Needle
08-02-12, 05:12 PM
13 3s made.. :lol: And fucking with the rookie. :rotfl:
Actually 14 3s in the first half...tops the old record of 13 in a game.
Dr_Evil
08-02-12, 05:25 PM
Carmelo is going to break the old team 3 record himself tonight.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 05:34 PM
Wow. I think that's the first time I've seen a double alley-oop. rotfl
Deftones
08-02-12, 05:45 PM
26 3 pointers. rotfl
Deftones
08-02-12, 05:46 PM
27 now. jesus. that's many teams entire point output in a normal game.
Deftones
08-02-12, 05:47 PM
i had no idea (or had forgotten) that D'antoni was a coach for this. i guess getting a gold medal is a good consolation prize for leaving the Knicks.
Red Dog
08-02-12, 05:49 PM
So they set a record for a half with 14 in the 1st half, and then beat the record with 15 (at least) in the 2nd. rotfl
Red Dog
08-02-12, 05:52 PM
I didn't check the line beforehand but I think 83 will cover it. ;)
Deftones
08-02-12, 05:52 PM
around 64% 3 point field goal shooting. haha
devilshalo
08-02-12, 06:00 PM
Margin of victory is 2 more points than Kobe's 81 point game against the Raptors. :lol:
Deftones
08-02-12, 06:01 PM
and to think, 8 minutes less in this game than regular nba game. they probably could've got to 200! :eek:
Red Dog
08-02-12, 06:02 PM
Usa 3-0
fra 2-1
arg 2-1
ltu 1-2
ngr 1-2
tun 0-3
rus 3-0
esp 3-0
bra 2-1
aus 1-2
gbr 0-3
chn 0-3
devilshalo
08-04-12, 07:00 AM
Typical Pau choke from the line when the pressure is on. Hard fought win by Russia.
Red Dog
08-04-12, 08:36 AM
Great win by Russia.
starman9000
08-04-12, 08:46 AM
Why didn't Shved play much, was he pretty bad?
devilshalo
08-04-12, 09:37 AM
US shooting from behind the arc has gone cold only 32%, they blew their wad against Tunisia.
This is where it hurts not having a large presence in the post.
Calculon
08-04-12, 10:04 AM
Wow
Red Dog
08-04-12, 10:15 AM
LTU +34.5 pays. :thumbsup: USA half court D was awful. This should stop all comparisons to Dream Team.
MrX
08-04-12, 10:30 AM
Terrible defense and the guards were awful offensively.
ctyankee
08-04-12, 10:34 AM
LTU +34.5 pays. :thumbsup: USA half court D was awful. This should stop all comparisons to Dream Team.
Exactly. I only watched a bit of it because goodness knows there's better things to do than to watch some over-hyped NBA 'stars' playing pretend defense. Particularly Russel Westbrook. No hustle by him, doesn't get within a yard from anyone he is pretend guarding. What a joke.
koops
08-04-12, 12:13 PM
That was embarrassing! To echo earlier sentiments, 1992 Dream Team comparisons need to stop.
Red Dog
08-06-12, 05:03 PM
USA in another dogfight today. Up 1 at the half vs. ARG. Poor defense once again.
Red Dog
08-06-12, 05:37 PM
Much better defense that quarter. And it doesn't hurt that Durant is putting on a shooting clinic.
Red Dog
08-06-12, 05:46 PM
Send it in, Westbrook. Wow. :lol: Things are getting feisty out there.
Knockout Bracket:
USA
AUS 5:15p
BRA
ARG 3:00p
RUS
LTU 9:00a
FRA
ESP 11:15a
Bill Needle
08-06-12, 07:46 PM
So how about the Argentine player nut-punching Carmelo Anthony as he sank a 3-pointer at the 3Q buzzer? Kind of funny, but wtf?
Red Dog
08-07-12, 08:16 AM
Added the tip times to the bracket. The semis are noon and 4p Friday. I assume USA would play in the later game.
So how about the Argentine player nut-punching Carmelo Anthony as he sank a 3-pointer at the 3Q buzzer? Kind of funny, but wtf?
That's why I'm rooting for ARG to beat BRA. I want to see what happens if they play again.
It's also funny how there's kind of a regional flair to the quarters. Throw out USA/AUS, but the rest of the matchups all features countries that border each other.
starman9000
08-07-12, 08:42 AM
That's why I'm rooting for ARG to beat BRA. I want to see what happens if they play again.
Good basketball prospectus article rating the teams through group play, log5 analysis of the knockout rounds (USA has a 91% chance of winning gold - which basically mirrors their 1-9 odds coming in), and the odd disincentive for somebody winning the BRA/ESP game yesterday.
USA -33, 188.5
ARG -3, 159
RUS -7.5, 153.5
ESP -6, 151
Red Dog
08-08-12, 10:01 AM
RUS over LTU, 83-74.
Bill Needle
08-08-12, 11:47 AM
France/Spain shaping up to be a great finish.
devilshalo
08-08-12, 12:01 PM
Turiaf with his own nut punch to Fernandez. :lol:
devilshalo
08-08-12, 12:02 PM
Fight! Now Batum with a nut punch!
Red Dog
08-08-12, 12:08 PM
France/Spain shaping up to be a great finish.
Nice jinx. -ohbfrank- I was following the box score online but it appears FRA collapsed in the final quarter. How surprising. -rolleyes- That's what I get for taking those cheese-eating surrender monkeys on the money line at +250. But I suppose it could have been worse - I would have been much more pissed if I took FRA +6.5 with ESP winning by 7, especially since they were down 2 after 3 quarters.
ESP looks like geniuses now for losing to BRA.
Bill Needle
08-08-12, 12:10 PM
What's with the abundance of Olympic basketball nut-punches? Is this some international BB thing?
Bill Needle
08-08-12, 12:13 PM
Nice jinx. -ohbfrank- I was following the box score online but it appears FRA collapsed in the final quarter. How surprising. -rolleyes- That's what I get for taking those cheese-eating surrender monkeys on the money line at +250. But I suppose it could have been worse - I would have been much more pissed if I took FRA +6.5 with ESP winning by 7, especially since they were down 2 after 3 quarters.
ESP looks like geniuses now for losing to BRA.
Tough to get it done with a whopping 6 points all of the fourth quarter. What a choke, but credit to Spain for turning it up when they needed to.
Red Dog
08-08-12, 12:16 PM
ESP looks like geniuses now for losing to BRA.
That being said, RUS/ESP should be a fun rematch of their pool play game.
devilshalo
08-08-12, 12:20 PM
Looks like Batum will be suspended from FIBA play one match in the next Euro qualifiers next summer.
Jam Master Jay
08-08-12, 12:37 PM
GIF
https://twitpic.com/show/large/ah00y2
Lemdog
08-08-12, 01:58 PM
ouch
Red Dog
08-08-12, 02:00 PM
Wow. rotfl Maybe the French should have tried that in WW2.
Red Dog
08-08-12, 02:02 PM
What's with the abundance of Olympic basketball nut-punches? Is this some international BB thing?
I guess they needed something new & unique to replace the trapezoid lane.
Red Dog
08-08-12, 03:50 PM
Dammit. Missed BRA +4.5 covering by a fucking point. -ohbfrank-
bigsoos
08-08-12, 04:31 PM
I think Batum is still upset he is still a Trailblazer.
Red Dog
08-08-12, 05:22 PM
Great start to the 2nd half for the Aussies.
devilshalo
08-08-12, 05:27 PM
Don't know why they are surprised at Kobe and his play. Laker fans have seen this the past two seasons.
Red Dog
08-08-12, 05:29 PM
I don't know why Coach K is even playing Kobe at this point He's sucked the whole tourney.
Red Dog
08-08-12, 05:31 PM
And right after I post that, he does something. rotfl
devilshalo
08-08-12, 05:44 PM
And right after I post that, he does something. rotfl
And that is why the stupid humanoids at Staples still chant MVP.
Calculon
08-08-12, 05:45 PM
Mod request: Rename thread 2012 Men's Olympic Nut Punch
devilshalo
08-08-12, 05:59 PM
Red Dog needs to trash talk Kobe during the regular NBA season. :p
fumanstan
08-08-12, 06:05 PM
And that is why the stupid humanoids at Staples still chant MVP.
I know I do! :)
Red Dog
08-08-12, 06:06 PM
Well they turned it on when they needed it. But as we know from the LTU game, that won't always be a given. Can't wait for the nutpunch rematch.
devilshalo
08-08-12, 06:10 PM
Well they turned it on when they needed it. But as we know from the LTU game, that won't always be a given. Can't wait for the nutpunch rematch.
They should come out wearing cups. :p
Red Dog
08-09-12, 01:54 PM
Semifinal lines:
ESP -5
USA -25
I don't see totals listed yet. On points or nutpunches.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 11:01 AM
Here we go....let the nutpunching commence.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 11:16 AM
12-9 after one quarter. Burn the tape of that quarter. When the handball game has nearly as much scoring 1/4 of the way through, you know the basketball has to suck. rotfl
devilshalo
08-10-12, 11:34 AM
RUSSIA looking good early being very physical and making outside shots. SPAIN still trying to find a rhythm.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 11:39 AM
RUS is just collapsing the D and punishing Gasol. Smart. They really should be up more than 12. They've missed a bunch of shots up close.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 11:52 AM
That was a terrible half of basketball for ESP. I expect them to come back in the 2nd.
edit: 6/29 shooting. RUS wasn't much better: 13/35.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 12:03 PM
Kirilinko with 3 fouls.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 12:09 PM
ESP lighting it up now.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 12:11 PM
RUS relying too much on the 3 ball when ESP is starting to heat up.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 12:16 PM
And ESP makes up the whole deficit in a quarter. Game over, Ruskies.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 12:20 PM
AK47 needs to start scoring.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 12:27 PM
RUS needs to go back to their 1-3-1 zone and they need to work on the inside to get their points in the paint. UGH.. looks too late now. ESP is running away.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 12:31 PM
Like I said it's over. ESP has found their shooting eye in this arena now. Could make things interesting next game.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 12:39 PM
That might save the point spread bettors. Unfortunately, it won't save me. Fucking Ruskies.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 12:44 PM
The Ruskies can blow me. I had +230 on the ML. They pissed off their point spread bettors (+6) even more.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 12:50 PM
I bet Minnesota is regretting signing AK47 now.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 03:09 PM
Doug Collins: "Argentina is in trouble." Oh really? rotfl
Red Dog
08-10-12, 03:19 PM
ARG has to be happy only down 5 after those first 4-5 minutes.
whotony
08-10-12, 03:28 PM
Did Collins mention anything on the trade of Iguadala?
Red Dog
08-10-12, 03:41 PM
Just hanging around.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 04:07 PM
Way too many 3 balls.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 04:09 PM
Send it in!
devilshalo
08-10-12, 04:12 PM
KD on fiyaaaaaaah!
Red Dog
08-10-12, 04:12 PM
Way too many 3 balls.
It was just a matter of time before they started falling.
ARG is getting really tired.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 04:14 PM
It was just a matter of time before they started falling.
Forced 3s vs in-rhythm 3s are making the difference. Still don't like the Antoine Walker style of shooting.
devilshalo
08-10-12, 04:17 PM
I'd like to see them isolate for Lebron at the top and work from there as long as the rest of Team USA don't stand around watching. If they cut, there's going to be a lot of easy baskets as LBJ will draw in the Argentines.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 04:20 PM
Game is over. They got their big run. That's basically the key to these games - get one of those in the 2nd or 3rd quarter and it's an automatic win. They didn't have one vs. LTU.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 04:23 PM
Melo with a 26 footer. rotfl
Jeremy517
08-10-12, 04:24 PM
I guess Carmelo was pissed about missing that dunk :lol:
Red Dog
08-10-12, 04:29 PM
With a legal sportsbook on every London corner I wonder if these guys placed bets on themselves. They really seem to want to cover the spread. ;)
devilshalo
08-10-12, 04:34 PM
Makes you wonder what Lob City would have looked like.
Red Dog
08-10-12, 04:34 PM
And that's a cover. :lol:
Red Dog
08-11-12, 10:16 AM
Gold medal line is USA -21, 190 total.
Women are -22.
Decker
08-12-12, 09:02 AM
Looking forward to watching the Gold Medal game, about to start now.
Congrats to former Jayhawk Sasha Kahn and Russia for winning the Bronze -- the country's first basketball medal
Decker
08-12-12, 09:15 AM
Navarro has 12 of Spain's first 14 points in the game's first 5 minutes.
Decker
08-12-12, 09:35 AM
After trailing by 10, Spain goes on a 14-2 run and now leads by 2. Gulp.
Decker
08-12-12, 09:44 AM
Marc Gasol with 4 fouls in the first 15 minutes! He's one foul from getting disqualified now. Terrible coaching decision keeping him in.
wishbone
08-12-12, 09:54 AM
32 fouls called so far
wishbone
08-12-12, 09:59 AM
Spain pulls within one... Coach K will have his work cut out for him at the half.
astrochimp
08-12-12, 09:59 AM
I'd go with Magic, Jordan, Bird, Malone and Ewing to start the 2nd half.
Decker
08-12-12, 10:00 AM
US up by one at the break 59-58. Foul calls have been brutal in the second quarter.
Quack
08-12-12, 10:07 AM
Hope Spain wins.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:09 AM
Great game, but ESP in major foul trouble. 2nd half line is USA -15. That's a lot.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:17 AM
Lets see if USA gets that one big run. They should be attacking the hoop every time and fouling ESP out.
wishbone
08-12-12, 10:19 AM
Finally, go inside.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:20 AM
Yep - LeBron needs to take this over and drive and either score or kick.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:29 AM
This is like watching a NBA game from the 80s.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:32 AM
ESP holds serve in that quarter without Marc Gasol.
Decker
08-12-12, 10:33 AM
Why couldn't Pau play like that in the Playoffs the last two years?
wishbone
08-12-12, 10:34 AM
Nice feed inside.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:38 AM
Paul playing like the PG they need now.
Deftones
08-12-12, 10:42 AM
usa just loves bombing those threes, don't they?
Durant has been money this olympics. :up:
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:42 AM
Durant - he was amazing in college and I can't believe how much better he's gotten since then.
Decker
08-12-12, 10:42 AM
Why doesn't Keven Love shoot some threes? He's certainly capable.
wishbone
08-12-12, 10:43 AM
Dave Chappelle's Prince to Durant: Shoot the J... shoot it! :lol:
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:43 AM
usa just loves bombing those threes, don't they?
Durant has been money this olympics. :up:
It's basically a Duke system. But it helps when you have the ideal personnel for it.
Decker
08-12-12, 10:43 AM
Durant - he was amazing in college and I can't believe how much better he's gotten since then.
:up:
He's an All-Time great talent already.
fumanstan
08-12-12, 10:46 AM
http://i.minus.com/iboKeDBjSTMe1B.gif
Rudy is such a bitch.
Decker
08-12-12, 10:49 AM
Gotta put LeBron back in now
fumanstan
08-12-12, 10:50 AM
Ugh, bad turnovers :sad:
wishbone
08-12-12, 10:52 AM
Deep three LeBron!
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:53 AM
Hate the shot. Love the result.
wishbone
08-12-12, 10:55 AM
Did not love the result on that one...
Deftones
08-12-12, 10:56 AM
so at this pace, is next olympics finally the year when the rest of the world catches up to us? some of these games have been a little too close for comfort.
wishbone
08-12-12, 10:56 AM
That was beautiful.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 10:58 AM
Nice job, USA. You answered the bell when ESP brought everything they had. Clamped down the defense in the 4th.
That being said, I would have loved to see a ESP/USA matchup with Rubio in there.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 11:00 AM
so at this pace, is next olympics finally the year when the rest of the world catches up to us? some of these games have been a little too close for comfort.
I don't know. These other teams are relatively old. I don't things will change much, but keep an eye on Brazil - particularly since they will have the home advantage.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 11:01 AM
Thankfully I didn't bet USA -21 nor USA -15 2nd half. Stayed away.
wishbone
08-12-12, 11:01 AM
Davis. Rebound. Game. :up:
astrochimp
08-12-12, 11:01 AM
Would have been hilarious if coach K had taken out all the starters and they blew that.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 11:01 AM
Nice to see Anthony Davis get in the stat book too.
Deftones
08-12-12, 11:04 AM
happy to see Mike D'Antoni and James Harden get gold medals. :up:
Red Dog
08-12-12, 11:04 AM
You can tell Doug Collins really appreciates it after being robbed of his own gold in 1972.
First time I've seen Coach K get the gatorade bath.
wishbone
08-12-12, 11:07 AM
You can tell Doug Collins really appreciates it after being robbed of his own gold in 1972.That was nice.First time I've seen Coach K get the gatorade bath.With water bottles but they go the job done. :lol:
fumanstan
08-12-12, 11:11 AM
USA should always be a small step ahead of the other countries, as long as all the stars keep playing. Or they change the rules.
Red Dog
08-12-12, 11:19 AM
The question is who is the next coach. Coach K was perfect for this. I think you need a college coach who has the full respect from the pro players. It's why I say Izzo should be the next coach.
Calculon
08-12-12, 11:34 AM
The question is who is the next coach. Coach K was perfect for this. I think you need a college coach who has the full respect from the pro players. It's why I say Izzo should be the next coach.
I vote D'Antoni.
Quake1028
08-12-12, 11:34 AM
Awesome, I can go back to rooting against Kobe and Coach K. I need a shower.
Quake1028
08-12-12, 11:36 AM
Izzo would be a good choice, as would Pop or Doc.
Setzer
08-12-12, 11:38 AM
Awesome, I can go back to rooting against Kobe and Coach K. I need a shower.
:lol:
Decker
08-12-12, 11:45 AM
Izzo would be a good choice, as would Pop or Doc.
Pop would be pretty old by then. I agree about Izzo or Doc. Calipari and/or Self would be a good assistant coach.
Bill Needle
08-12-12, 09:00 PM
You can tell Doug Collins really appreciates it after being robbed of his own gold in 1972.
In my Olympics BB fantasy they give Doug Collins the Christian Laettner/Anthony Davis spot on the roster and he gets his own gold.
LurkerDan
08-12-12, 11:45 PM
Pop would be pretty old by then.
he's 63 now, 67 in 2016. Is that really a big issue?
Decker
08-13-12, 12:24 AM
he's 63 now, 67 in 2016. Is that really a big issue?
It's older than Coach K is now and older than Phil Jackson is now, and he retired over a year ago. Everyone is different, but I doubt he'd want to coach a full NBA season and have to deal with the rigors of three consecutive off seasons of FIFA games. I could be wrong, but I'd expect they'd want someone younger for that sort of commitment. Plus it makes sense that they follow the Coach K model and get someone who's in it for the long haul and not just one Olympics.
Buy: