Team USA Men's Basketball defeated Argentina, 109-83, on Friday in the semifinals at the 2012 London Olympics.
Philadelphia native and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant led the U.S. with 13 first-half points. Bryant was not needed in the second half as the U.S. pulled away from Argentina and cleared their bench. Bryant finished the game 3-for-6 on three-point shots. He also had four rebounds, two steals and an assist in nearly 19 minutes of action.
The U.S. needed Bryant in the first half when Argentina responded each time the U.S. got out to a double-digit lead. The U.S. led by seven at the halftime break. When the second half resumed, the U.S.' outside shooting overwhelmed the Argentinian team. The U.S. finished the game with 18 made three-pointers. The U.S. also shot 64 percent from the field for the game and stayed out of foul trouble, only giving Argentina 11 free throw attempts in the game.
Kevin Durant led the U.S. with 19 points. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James each had 18 points. Manu Ginobili paced Argentina with 18 points.
The U.S. team will play Spain on Sunday for the Gold Medal. Argentina will play Russia in the Bronze Medal game on Sunday as well.
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