Team USA Men's Basketball defeated Argentina, 109-83, Friday in the semifinals of the 2012 London Olympics.
New York area athletes were led by the performance of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, who had 18 points and six rebounds in the game. Knicks center Tyson Chandler had four points and three rebounds in 12 minutes. Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams had six points in 20 minutes.
Argentina kept the game close in the first half by making runs after the U.S. took double-digit leads. A three-pointer at the halftime whistle cut the U.S. lead to 47-40. In the second half, the U.S. shot well from three and limited Argentina's scoring to just 17 points in the third quarter. The U.S.' ten-point advantage in that quarter gave the Americans a cushion to work with in the fourth quarter. However, the hot shooting continued for the U.S. and the lead grew even more which allowed for a comfortable win.
Kevin Durant led the U.S. with 19 points. LeBron James chipped in 18 points. Kobe Bryant had 13 first-half points which led the U.S. at the break. Manu Ginobili led Argentina with 18 points.
The U.S. advances to the Gold Medal game against Spain on Aug. 12. Argentina will play Russia in the Bronze Medal game on Aug. 12.
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