The U.S. was starting to lose the confidence of many fans after two exhibition losses in Las Vegas and an opening game loss to France. But after bouncing back against Iran and collecting a win over the Czech Republic in the group-play finale, the Americans did what was required to advance to the quarterfinal round at the Tokyo Olympics.
The United States will take on Spain at 12:40 am ET on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
The #basketball knockout matchups are set:#FRA vs #ITA#SLO vs #GER#USA vs #ESP#AUS vs #ARG
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 1, 2021
Who’s your pick for #gold ?#Tokyo2020
The Americans are heading into the quarterfinals with some momentum thanks to a 119-84 victory over the Czechs on Saturday to clinch second place behind France in the knockout stage. Jayson Tatum scored 27 points, Kevin Durant added 23 and set two USA Basketball men’s Olympic records, passing Carmelo Anthony in all-time points scored and all-time field goals made.
Set our Men’s Olympic scoring record & led us in two other stat columns. Elite @KDTrey5.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 31, 2021
🔥 23 PTS (8-of-11 FG)
🔥 8 REB
🔥 6 AST
🇺🇸 #USABMNT x #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/XKnGMBQ9VV
U.S. coach Gregg Popovich discussed the team’s progress going into the later rounds via NBA.com.
“I think our guys really focused well and did a good job in gaining ground, day by day, practice by practice,” U.S. coach Gregg Popovich said. “Hopefully we’ll continue that moving forward. We have to if we want to be successful.”
The semifinal games are scheduled to take place on Thursday, Aug. 5 and the bronze and gold medal games take place on Saturday, Aug. 7.
