| Gold Medal Game Preview: Spain vs USA |
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| Written by Inaki Angulo | |
| Saturday, 23 August 2008 | |
 All the evidences tell that the Gold Medal Game will have the same script, but the final match is always different. USA Basketball will try to culminate their march, and Spain, will try to achieve the biggest upset in hoops history. USA Basketball will count with all its players. Spain is expecting the recovery of Raptors’ point guard Jose Calderon. His contest is doubtful at this moment. Let’s take a look to the keys of Sunday’s game (2.30 ET) USA Basketball 1. Keep it rolling: They have to keep on with the same system. USA Basketball has to be aggressive, play fast and take the advantage of their physical superiority. When they are able to steal the balls and run down the court they are unstoppable. 2. Be patient: the grind of the game will benefit the ‘’Redeem Team’’. They should be patient in hypothetical tough moments. USA Basketball struggled a little bit during the semifinals’ second quarter. They anxiously attacking the zone defense, and Argentina outscored them 29-19. They should avoid the impatience. 3. Full court pressure: surely, Spain will face the game with two doubtful point guards. Raul Lopez and teenager Ricky Rubio will have problems managing the pressure. The first one was going to be the third point guard, and Rubio has not the experience to face Kidd, Paul and Williams. If Calderon plays over 30 minutes, it will be a bit harder for USA Basketball to shadow him. 4. Forget the previous game: The United Stated knocked out Spain in the group game. They had a difference of 38 points, but it doesn’t count right now. It will be another different game, with different environment and momentum. USA Basketball has to take care of this. Spain 1. Miracle on court: Spain has to believe in their chances. They have to put all their heart on the battle and fight during forty minutes. Spanish National Team has to play passionate, playing each play as the last one in his lives. They have a lifetime shot to write their names in Olympics golden books. 2. Slow down the game: The defending world champions have to take care of the ball, be patient, play twenty-seconds and slow down the game speed. The fast break points definitely broke the first game against the Americans. It will be hard, but if Spain establishes their rhythm they will have the opportunity to surprise USA Basketball. 3. Zone Defense: Americans’ physical advantage makes them impossible to be defended one on one. Otherwise, they may have problems attacking the zone defense. Lithuania was confused when Spain played zone defense. Spain has to pray for a bad day of the Americans attacking the zone defense. 4. Be specials the special day: Spain has not played at its level in this tournament. Now, they have to do their best to get the job done; they have to be perfect: play aggressive basketball and be on fire on ofense. Spanish stars also have to take a step forward. Pau Gasol, Rudy Fernandez and Jose Calderon (if he finally recovers) have to lead their team mates to the promise land. Here, mass media, which unfortunately compares Spain with USA Basketball, is confident at the Spanish chances. In my opinion, Spain might has a shot, but... Can they be perfect?         Set as favorite Bookmark Comments
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