Le Basketbawl

Australia arguably played as well during the first quarter against the team from the United States, as anyone has so far in the Games. The Americans had a razor thin lead of 25-24 at the end of the period. But Team USA started to widen the gap in the second quarter as they had a 55-43 advantage as the two teams reached the half. The deficit for the Aussies grew even larger in the third quarter, as it was an 89-61 game heading into the final period. Australia was never a credible threat in the fourth.

Kobe Bryant led five players in double figures as he scored a game high 25 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block. LeBron James just missed a double-double, as he scored 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists, Carmelo Anthony had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. Deron Williams came off the bench and scored 10 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and Chris Bosh also scored 10 points coming off the pine, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist.

Patrick Mills led Australia as he scored 20 points, 3 steals, 2 assists. Team USA will next play Friday against Argentina for the right to play in the Championship game Sunday.