Team USA Basketball defeated Argentina, 126-97, in a Group A game on Monday at the 2012 London Olympics.
New York area athletes did not play a large role in the victory but played solid minutes overall. New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony had five points, five rebounds and an assist in 12 minutes. Knicks center Tyson Chandler finished the game with three points, five rebounds, a block and two steals in 11 minutes. Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams had five points, five assists, two rebounds and a steal in 15 minutes of action.
After leading by just one point at halftime, 60-59, the U.S. exploded in the third quarter for 42 points. Kevin Durant scored 17 points in the quarter after LeBron James got the U.S. off to a hot start. The defense was also ratcheted up for the U.S. in the quarter and Argentina had just 17 points after scoring at least 27 in the first two frames. In the fourth quarter, the U.S. emptied their bench, as did Argentina.
Durant, who was 8-of-10 from behind the arc, led all scorers with 28 points. LeBron James had 18 points. Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant, Andre Iguodala and Chris Paul all reached double figures in scoring. Manu Ginobili had 16 points (all in the first half) to lead Argentina in scoring.
The U.S. won Group A with a 5-0 record and will move on to play Australia in the quarterfinals on Aug. 8. Australia finished Group B play with a 3-2 record.
To see the full bracket for the knock-out stages of the basketball competition, visit the NBC Olympics site.
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