https://youtu.be/REZ5kWcX20Q
On Wednesday, USA Basketball stomped on Argentina’s aging squad to advance to the semifinal round of the Olympics. They also seemed to announce to the world their faltering mystique over the preceding three games to close out the group stage was just a small setback on their journey to Olympic gold.
No one was more locked in against Argentina than Kevin Durant, who dropped a game-high 27 points on just 13 shots. He also had seven rebounds and six dimes in under 29 minutes of game action, but it was one specific bucket that stood out above all the rest.
This zig-zagging display of handle and body control is elite for even the quickest NBA guard, but it’s downright unthinkable for someone who stands over 7 feet tall.
https://i.giphy.com/W8B9DQpK82pYA.gif
But Team USA’s actual point guard, Kyrie Irving, is no stranger to making guys look foolish off the bounce. After testy Argentinean point Facundo Campazzo started the game off by getting in Kyrie’s mug while also getting a few pretty floaters to fall as the Argentinians shot out to a 10-point first-quarter lead, Irving had enough.
First Uncle Drew gets him off balance with a hard step-back on a dribble between his legs. When Irving shows the ball after the step-back, it’s the bait. Campazzo shuffles to cover him, and Kyrie simply crosses him up going back the other way before lofting a runner through the nylon.
https://i.giphy.com/uFsiVJj12Zimc.gif
Perhaps the only thing more enjoyable than watching those two superstars do their thing was the equally as creative bench celebrating said plays:
What's better – the way USA Basketball played today or the way their bench reacted?https://t.co/V1cn1TEFpH https://t.co/yeG6Cigi4i
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 18, 2016
The Americans face Spain at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
(Via NBC)