Group B, day 3: USA vs Greece

[C-ka2]

I don't think Greece goes all out to win here. They should keep in mind the mistake Lithuania made in 2004.

O.K.. so that was a mistake? Well, at least Greece didn't do that mistake then, smart move, huh? You can say it's psychology or something, but the bronze medal game was just as close as the first one in group stage, it's just that the luck was on the other side. So I don't see your point of calling a historical victory a mistake, including the fact that USA had already lost to Puerto Rico a few days before.
Now don't just make up pre-game excuses that Greece won't even do its best to win, cause it's total bullshit actually. I mean, Greece will also probably tell V-Span to play bad on purpose, so in the knock-out stages the best player in Europe would suddenly show all he's capable of and kick the jankees' ass alone and by himself. Tactics.

 

[oranJe2]

To me, so true.

(((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))

No big thought here but, to me, this game is huge for the United States, imo. Both teams will be all business and Greece and the US will want to measure themselves against each other. I would love to see a triple overtime one point win by either squad.

If Greece defeats the US it will be extremely interesting to see how they handle the loss.

I'm just looking for the ultra fun this game promises. Who's with me?

+1

 

[each way2]

The "Redeem Team" by 12

 

[wardjdim2]

50-50 game

 

[greek-legacy2]

Greece doesn't have a reason to make their "game of the tournament" in this match.I think the U.S will win easily by 15 to 20 points. But if these teams will face again in the semis, this will be a very diferrent story.Then, I can expect a win from Greece.

 

[damelo2]

What if USA decides to hide its weapons in this game? And hold on in order to trick Greece? And beat them later in the tournament?

 

[Remon2]

What if USA decides to hide its weapons in this game? And hold on in order to trick Greece? And beat them later in the tournament?

I don't believe they're expecting to lose to anyone no matter what. They won't do that.

 

[kestas2]

What if USA decides to hide its weapons in this game?

is there anything the world doesn't know about this team or any of its players?

 

[damelo2]

Maybe they worked out some special very wise defense? On the pick and rolls... further than the high post. in order not to lose when it counts this time.

But, we all know everything about them, but we also know all about Greeks by now i guess. So, why not?

 

[bobo812]

I cannot believe these posts man, first many Greek here saying US will probably win..what? Man you guys must be just joking or placing a safety net under yourselves incase you lose. I mean you guys should all be choosing your team, they can most definitely beat the US when on a good night.

As for the US I hope they win, of course, but they need to control the pace of the game. I mean they really need to hustle. Screw shooting, sometimes we just cannot control things like this, but pace is something they can deal with.

 

[Fedfan2]

hey is this match on 15:30 greek time? I hope I won't have to wake up tomorrow before the rooster again!

to the poster above: they don't pick USA for safety reasons,or for too much fear.Just trying to be logical-which imo it's a big improvement from previous patterns my nation has shown.

 

[T.W.Is.M.2]

I cannot believe these posts man, first many Greek here saying US will probably win..what? Man you guys must be just joking or placing a safety net under yourselves incase you lose. I mean you guys should all be choosing your team, they can most definitely beat the US when on a good night.

As for the US I hope they win, of course, but they need to control the pace of the game. I mean they really need to hustle. Screw shooting, sometimes we just cannot control things like this, but pace is something they can deal with.

It's just a game of the group stage and it is highly likely that the outcome won't affect the standings. That decreases the motive of the greek team. Sure, there is always the motive of beating USA. But it's sth we have already done once. Plus there is a possibility that the two teams will meet again later on. Team USA is more motivated because we beat them in 2006.
The truth is that USA also need 2 improve on their first 2 games, but their individual quality is far superior than all teams.

There r also some "greek bball fans" who r waiting 4 a failure of the NT in order 2 criticize certain people. One can easily distinguish them by listening(or reading) their opinion. The non-greeks can either use these opinions as arguments against Greek NT or just ignore them.

 

[Picek2]

I can't remember when was the last time I cheered for Greek national team..
no, wait.. I can..
summer 2006.
and tomorrow again..
go greeks

 

[Picek2]

What if USA decides to hide its weapons in this game? And hold on in order to trick Greece? And beat them later in the tournament?

do you really expect them to do that?
that would be a real sign that they are afraid and that they respect their opponents..

 

[toxmarius2]

Stop dreaming people Greece will lose and lose hard!!! i would say ~30 points.. In case it will be a hard day for USA and perfect for Greece, then Greece might have like 10% chances max to win this one.. The difference of playing level is just to hudge to expect anything.

Heh, i already see greek fans throwing stones at me

 

[JGX2]

Questions for the US:

1. K's substitution patterns have been very rigid so far. Hasn't really made any changes based on who is playing well or on the opponent's tactics. Will he make adjustments if the game is competitive?

2. Rebounding has been mediocre in the friendlies and the first two games in Beijing. They were even outrebounded by Angola. Can they do better on the boards?

3. Kobe?

4. Will the US finally get off to a good start? Except for Lithuania they have started slow in every game this summer. First 5 minutes will set the tone.

 

[Big Lebowski2]

USA - Hellas 96-32

USA: James 23 (10 dunks, 10 travelling violations non sanctioned), Anthony 28 (11 dunks, 11 t.v.n.s.), Bryant 19 (9 dunks, 9 t.v.n.s.), Howard 20 (10/11 2p)

Hellas: Shortsianitis 17 in 3 min. (8/9 2p, 1/12 ft), Spanoulis 15 (3/12 2p, 3/18 3p, 73 turnovers).

 

[rensquared2]

I can't remember when was the last time I cheered for Greek national team..
no, wait.. I can..
summer 2006.
and tomorrow again..
go greeks

Im with you Bro!! GO GREEKS!!

 

[Ilya2]

You forgot to mention the 19 souvlakis Sofo gulped down in the stats. I honestly think they should be included.

 

[c_fish2]

You forgot to mention the 19 souvlakis Sofo gulped down in the stats. I honestly think they should be included.

Don't you mean spring rolls or Peking ducks or something His suitcase souvlaki stock must have gone bad or depleted by now