U.S. Wraps Up Worlds With Bronze
9/2/2006 1:55:50 PM | Men's Basketball
by USA Basketball
SAITAMA, Japan -- USA tri-captains Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) scored 32, 20 and 15 points respectively to account for 67 of the USA's points and the squad claimed the bronze medal with a 96-81 victory against Argentina (7-2) in the World Championship on Saturday. James also added team highs of nine rebounds and seven assists, while Elton Brand (Los Angles Clippers) was credited with 13 points and six boards.
The win by the U.S. helped avenge an 89-81 semifinals loss to Argentina at the 2004 Olympics. Argentina went on to capture the Olympic gold.
"This game was everything it was pumped up to be if it was in the finals," said Wade. "I'd like to give credit to my teammates, I have a lot of respect for the guys for coming out and playing our hearts out when a lot of people thought we would give up. It's a great step in the direction that we're trying to get to in 2008. This is the most fun I've had in a while, just being around a great group of guys. We all gained relationships. We all gained respect for each other. This summer was not a waste for us. We learned a lot and we'll move forward."
Both teams came into the bronze medal contest after suffering heart wrenching losses the previous day. The U.S. fell 101-95 to Greece in the first semifinal, Argentina lost 75-74 to Spain in the other semifinal.
"I think this game showed what this team has shown the last 45 days or so, that these guys are really proud to represent our country," USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "We had a few bad minutes against Greece and they're a great team. Our guys showed a lot of heart. This is our first step towards Beijing, That's what we talked about today, not just winning third place. The whole thing was to get ready for the Olympics. Our three captains, especially, showed a lot of heart today."
Krzyzewski's staff included Syracuse Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, along with NBA head coaches Mike D'Antoni (Phoenix) and Nate McMillan (Portland).
Carrying a seven point lead (69-62) into the fourth quarter, Wade scored 18 of the USA's 27 points in the fourth quarter to make sure that the USA did not let this victory slip through its fingers.
With Wade accounting for eight points, the Americans went on a 10-4 run during the final period's first three minutes to take control 79-66.
Argentina fought back to within nine points twice, but each time they did the energized Americans managed to turn back the rally effort.
"In the fourth quarter, I saw that Melo (Carmelo Anthony) really didn't have it going today. Coach kept me in, so it was time for me to be a captain and be a leader, step up and win this ballgame. That was my only thinking. I got some shots to go and got out on the break and got a couple layups, so that added to the flow," Wade said.
The U.S. trailed much of the fast paced first half.
Argentina moved out to a 17-9 advantage and riding 12 points from Luis Scola held a 27-21 lead after the first quarter.
Trading baskets the first four minutes of the second quarter, following a basket from Carlos Delpina and a 3-pointer from Walter Herrmann, Argentina was in possession of a 43-34 lead with 4:08 remaining in the firdt half.
Getting nine points from Anthony, including two 3-pointers in the final 1:30, the second coming with four seconds left in the half, the USA outscored Argentina 16-6 to grab a 50-49 halftime lead, it's only lead of the opening half.
"It was a gut-check game," Anthony stated. "A lot of people said that the U.S. was going to fold after losing last night to Greece. Everybody knew that Argentina is one of the best teams in the world. I think we came out and even though it was the bronze medal game – we proved something. Tonight showed a lot of guts."
Argentina's offense was led by Scola's 19 points, Nocioni, who plays for the Chicago Bulls, added 18 points in the loss. San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili had an off night, compiling jut 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting.
The USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team will reassemble during the summer of 2007 and train for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The top two finishing teams in the tournament will earn berths in the 2006 Olympic Games.
"We haven't been together very long and for these guys to show the character it took to come back the next day after a tough loss is terrific. That means we have accomplished quite a bit in terms of building the unity of our team. That's what we're trying to build in international basketball," USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
"We have to keep improving. Do what we've been doing and that is improving. It's been a long road since mid-July when we started camp. We've gotten better and we've become a family. We have to keep striving, keep learning international basketball, remarked James.
In today's game to determine fifth place, France earned a 64-56 win against Turkey to take fifth. Sunday's action will feature Greece (8-0) versus Spain (8-0) in the gold medal game, while Lithuania and Germany will face off in Sunday's 7th/8th place game.
