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Who will Team USA Face in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Basketball Quarterfinals?

Published 08/01/2021, 12:13 PM EDT

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Team USA have reached the knockouts of yet another event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Although their longstanding 25-0 record in Men’s basketball ended following a loss to the French, the U.S. with crushing wins over Iran and the Czech Republic look locked in on a 4th consecutive Gold. However, the road to conquering Tokyo won’t be easy.

While the American contingent appear to have figured it all out, the test lies ahead. With the French and Australians peaking at the right time winning all their exhibition matchups, and Luka Doncic propelling Slovenia ahead, either of these teams could take home the Gold on any given night.

But, their first matchup in the knockouts will pit them against Spain; another international juggernaut who have pushed them to their limits in the last decade.

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Its round 3 of the Team USA vs Español rivalry

With Team USA last facing Spain in the 2008 and 2012 Gold Medal Games, Spain’s opportunity for redemption is fast and coming. But, the top scorer from that matchup 9 years ago, a young maestro, is now the leader of this roster.

 

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Kevin Durant who top scored with 30 in that Finals game last time around, will look to extend his lead over the field, as the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. in the Olympics. But, it won’t be an easy victory, especially since the Spanish were part of the era which saw international talent come up to speed with the U.S.

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The thunder dome matchup is all set for 12:40 A.M. Eastern Time on Tuesday, with the potential to avenge Vegas defeat vs Australia or face Argentina on offer.

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What sets the U.S. apart? The sheer volume of all-star talent present in Tokyo is almost intimidating for any opposition. But, will that volume of talent hold up against team/system oriented basketball? or are basketball aficionados heading toward the biggest upset in the Olympics since 2004?

Watch this story – Damian Lillard Raining Threes, Jayson Tatum’s Slam Dunk & Other Team USA vs Iran Tokyo Olympics 2020 Highlights

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Written by:

Nikhil Naik

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Nikhil Naik is an NBA writer at EssentialySports. Having completed his bachelor's degree in Hospitality, he has worked with the Indian Hotels Company Limited, at the Taj in Mumbai. Nikhil has been playing basketball since 2014.
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