Kevin Durant went for 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists as Team USA routed Manu Ginobili and Argentina, 105-78, in the quarterfinals of the Olympic men’s baskeball tournament in Rio De Janeiro on Wednesday,
The Americans will meet Pau Gasol and Spain in Friday’s semifinal after Spain routed Tony Parker and France, 92-67. It will be a rematch of the last two Olympic finals, won by the USA in Beijing and London, respectively.
Nikola Mirotic scored 23 points and new Knicks big man Willy Hernangomez added 18.
“We got a tough game against Spain next and we’re looking forward to playing,” Durant, who shot 9-of-13 from the field and 7-of-9 from deep, told, NBCSN.
Australia will meet the Croatia-Serbia winner in the other semifinal. Australia advanced over Lithuania, 90-64, earlier Wednesday.
The Americans trailed by as many as 10 points early but rallied to take a 56-40 halftime lead.
“We played with passion and energy,” Durant said. “We played well on the offensive end, moved the ball and defensively covered for each other.”
Luis Scola led Argentina with 15 points, while point guard Facundo Campazzo added 13 points, 9 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds.
As for the semifinals, Durant said, “Pau Gasol’s a load down there in the post. They got great guards that penetrate and shoot and pass, so we got our work cut out for us but we’re looking forward to it.”
Ginobili played his last game in Olympic competition with Argentina after four Olympics.
“I learned a lot so it was an unbelievable experience,” he told NBCSN. “I’ve been 20 years with this jersey so it’s quite an emotional day.”
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