Friday August 22 2008 – 3:05pm Eastern
The Redeem Team is one step closer to bringing Olympic gold back to the U.S. following their 101-81 victory over Argentina earlier today.
But today’s win didn’t come easy as a scrappy Argentina crew pulled to within 6 points late in the 1st half; doing so without their top player, Manu Ginobili. Ginobili went down early in the 1st half with an undisclosed foot injury and did not return.
Without Ginobili, Argentina simply couldn’t overcome the depth and strength of the Americans and as a result the reigning Olympic gold medalists will have to settle for a chance at bronze instead.
Chris Bosh turned in another SOLID performance for the U.S. … finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. He continues to be the best big man on the floor for Team USA and, arguably, their best defender. And they’ll need CB4 in top form for the gold medal game against Pau Gasol and the Spanish National Team.
Spain beat Lithuania 91-86 to advance but they had to do it without Jose Calderon. The Raptors’ guard was sidelined with a slightly torn abductor muscle and it sounds like he’ll be held out of the gold medal game as well.
Word is that Raptor officials have been in touch with Team Spain’s doctors and the injury is not considered overly serious. We’re still awaiting official word on that though.
For more on the abductor muscle – it’s time for Health Class 101 – go to: http://www.abductormuscle.com/
E. Smith
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Sorry for Jose but Good News for Raptor Fans. The Raptors would be royally screwed if they had to start the season without a healthy Jose.
Another thought that had crossed my mind was what the eventual Gold Medal for Chris Bosh will mean for the Raptors. Vince Carter won a Gold Medal and it never turned into anything for the Raptors. But in the case of Bosh I think it means something more and will give him a sense of accomplishment and a true beleif that he is one of best in NBA. Not to mention the fact of how he has done it through solid Defense. What about you Eric do you think Bosh can take this Gold and turn it into Raptor Success?
- James Borbath