Ricky Rubio's 38 not enough: Kevin Durant leads Team USA to a victory over Spain / News - Basketnews.com

Team USA took care of business against the world champions Spain 95-81 (21-19, 22-24, 26-20, 26-18) and advanced to the Olympic semi-finals.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Kevin Durant Points 29 Accuracy 10-17 Rebounds 2 Assists 4

Kevin Durant showed why he is the all-time leading scorer for the American team. He finished with 29 points (6/10 2PT, 4/7 3PT, 5/5 FT), 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 28 PIR over 31.3 minutes.

Ricky Rubio kept Spain in the game, scoring 38 points (9/13 2PT, 4/7 3PT, 8/8 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 34 PIR over 27.4 minutes.

The Americans started the game well and jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead after Damian Lillard's 3-pointer. Pau Gasol fouled Kevin Durant on a long-range attempt, helping the USA's lead increase to seven (17-10). However, Ricky Rubio answered with seven straight points, Sergio Llull added five, and Spain held a two-point advantage after one.

The USA continued missing open jump shots in the second. Willy Hernangomez entered the game for Spain and dominated on both ends of the floor, blocking three shots and scoring six points. He helped jumpstart an 11-0 Spanish run, resulting in their first double-digit lead (40-29). But the USA answered with a run of their own and tied the game at 43 going into halftime.

The Americans carried the momentum over to the second half, only allowing Spain to score two points in the first 3:20 while adding 10 of their own. Durant took over the game, scoring 13 points in over five minutes and giving the USA a 65-49 advantage. Rubio did everything he can to keep Spain in it and cut their deficit to 10 with eight quick points (69-59). Sergio Rodriguez finished the period with a step-back three to put his team within six.

Damian Lillard started the final quarter with five points, and Jayson Tatum's 3-pointer gave the Americans an 11-point advantage (77-66). Rubio kept Spain's hope alive, cutting his team's deficit to eight with over four minutes remaining. But Tatum scored 10 points in the period to keep Spain at bay and help his team advance to the Olympic semi-finals with a 95-81 victory.

Team USA will face the winners of the Australia - Argentina game. Semifinals are set to take place on Thursday, August 5.

The USA: Kevin Durant 29, Jayson Tatum 13, Jrue Holiday 12 (5 assists), Damian Lillard 11, Zach LaVine 10, Devin Booker 9 (9 rebounds, 5 assists).

Spain: Ricky Rubio 38, Sergio Rodriguez 16, Willy Hernangomez 10 (10 rebounds), Victor Claver 8.

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