FIBA World Cup: USA handles Lithuania, set for finals
By Jacob Rude
Another game, another huge third quarter.
After a lackluster first half that saw Klay Thompson carry the USA to an eight-point halftime lead, the Americans put on their typical display in the third quarter, blowing out the Lithuanians by the final of 96-68, setting themselves up for a final match on Sunday for the gold medal.
On this night, USA started the third frame with a 10-0 run, with a James Harden lay-up, a Steph Curry three-pointer, an Anthony Davis lay-up, and a Harden three-pointer all within the first 1:49 seconds of the quarter, forcing a timeout.
The run extended to 18-2 just shy of halfway through the quarter, effectively ending the contest as the Americans led by 24 points. In total in the decisive third, USA outscored Lithuania 33-14, pushing their lead to 27 points and rendering the fourth quarter garbage time.
Harden again used a big second half to help lead the charge for the Americans, scoring all 16 of his points in the second half. It was Thompson who kept the Lakers ahead in the first half with 14 of his 16 points coming in the first two frames.
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 18 points as well as a game-high 4 assists. Curry was the only other American in double figures with 13 points, going 3 for 6 from downtown.
USA continued their dominating performance in the third quarter of contests, outscoring opponents 222-139 in the third frame during this World Cup.
America avoided the same fate as Spain, who lost to heavy underdog France on Wednesday. Now, the red, white and blue will face the winner of France and Serbia on Friday.