Who Does Team USA Need to Beat to Win Their 4th Consecutive Gold Medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2021?

Team USA edged past the Czech Republic to book their spot in the knockout stages. Chasing their 4th gold medal, they will have to battle through basketball giants, Spain to qualify further. However, the good news for them is that they beat Spain in the exhibition game before coming to the Olympics.

Further, their path to compete for the gold medal looks achievable from thereafter. Here are the teams that USA will have to overcome to be a part of the Finals to win another gold.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – United States v Czech Republic – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 31, 2021. Khris Middleton of the United States in action REUTERS/Brian Snyder

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Team USA and their path to gold

In the quarter-finals, they are set to play Spain. This matchup is scheduled for 3rd August. If Team USA manages to win against the Spaniards, their next opponent will be either Argentina or Australia. Furthermore, if they can go through them, they will reach the finals. Their finals opponents could be one of France, Slovenia, Germany, or Italy.

Now, looking at USA’s path to the finals, wins seem to be on the cards. However, looking at the surprises that Team USA gave us, nothing can be said for sure.

Their main matchup will be with the Aussies. Australia was one of the teams who defeated Team USA in their shocking exhibition run. Moreover, they are undefeated in these Olympics. Patty Mills has been delivering as he is averaging 21 points per game. Other NBA players are Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – United States v Iran – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 28, 2021. Kevin Durant of the United States celebrates scoring a three pointer with Draymond Green of the United States REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Moreover, to get to the finals, Spain will also be a tough challenge. The world no. 2 team, led by the Gasol brothers, is coming off a loss to Luka Doncic and Slovenia. However, Ricky Rubio has been balling out, putting up 21 points and 7 assists. Big man, Marc Gasol is also playing his role as a versatile center.

But the talent level of USA is far superior. So looking at their opponents, Team USA has a decent path to the finals. However, can they win gold again?

Most likely finals opponents

If Team USA does get to the big stage, the 2 teams that can be their opponents are either France or Slovenia.

France gave USA a lesson as they defeated them in their first Olympic matchup. Evan Fournier scored 28 points and has continued his momentum since. Even defensive presence, Rudy Gobert serves as a huge threat, as players try to avoid the blocking center.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – France v United States – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 25, 2021. Damian Lillard of the United States in action with Rudy Gobert of France REUTERS/Brian Snyder

For Slovenia, one player stands out, and that is Luka Doncic. Doncic has done everything for the Slovenians, from scoring 48 points in their first-ever Olympic game to putting on a show against Spain. He has been the main reason they topped their group. Moreover, the supporting cast has played their roles to perfection. Hence, nothing will come easy for Kevin Durant and his men.

The good news for USA is their current run. USA tore apart their last 2 opponents with everyone playing efficient basketball. Zach Lavine and has been the consistent performer through these games putting up important points of the bench.

But the path to gold is not easy whatsoever for USA. Do you think Kevin Durant and USA will claim gold once again?

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