Puerto Rico vs USA | Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024
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The Men’s Basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics has reached a vital juncture, as three teams battle it out for two remaining knockout spots.
The group stage of the men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympics is at its business end. Only two games remain, as the race for knockout spots heats up. The three teams in the running are Nikola Jokic-led Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico. While Serbia and South Sudan face each other in the last game of Group C, Puerto Rico will have to deal with USA.
To say that Puerto Rico are underdogs would be a massive understatement. Puerto Rico is currently ranked 16th in the FIBA rankings. Whereas Team USA is ranked No. 1. It would take a miracle for Puerto Rico to beat the USA on Saturday.
A David vs Goliath Clash
A spot in the knockout phase hangs in the balance. However, it seems nigh on impossible for Puerto Rico to clinch that spot, as they prepare to take on the mighty USA. Group C is delicately poised, with Serbia and South Sudan tied on 3 points and Puerto Rico just one point behind in fourth place. USA comfortably occupy the top spot, as they have won both their matches by double digit margins.
Team USA overcame Serbia in their first match of the campaign by 110-84. On matchday two, USA sealed their second win of the group stage, defeating a talented South Sudan side by a scoreline of 103-86. The Americans have virtually sealed a knockout spot.
This means that Steve Kerr can rest few of his key men and keep them fresh for the knockout phase. However, even a second-string American lineup would be considered favorites to win their clash against Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s main player is New Orleans Pelicans’ guard, Jose Alvarado. Apart from him, no Puerto Rican player on this roster plies his trade in the NBA. Alvarado led Puerto Rico through a challenging qualifying phase, which saw Puerto Rico defeat Lithuania. However, Alvarado picked up an ankle injury in their first game of the group stage. With Alvarado injured, any chance of Puerto Rico pulling off an upset appears almost impossible.
USA gunning for the No.1 seed
Team USA has virtually sealed a knockout spot. However, they just aren’t happy with that, they want to clinch the No.1 seed. During a recent interview, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr outlined this ambition. He said, “We want the No. 1 seed. It gives you the best matchup in the quarterfinals.” The two highest-ranked teams will be placed in the same pot. Therefore, they will end up on the opposite sides of the bracket.
Team USA will take their last group stage game against Puerto Rico because of this reason. Winning all three games is essential, as teams like Canada and Germany have won all three games. If Team USA does win their last group stage game, the points differential system will come into play.
At the moment, Team USA and Germany lead in points difference, with the Americans at +43 and the Germans at +47. Canada has the third-best points difference at +20. This means that a win over Puerto Rico will seal the No.1 seed for USA. But could Puerto Rico pull off an upset of massive proportions?
USA vs Puerto Rico – Tip-Off Time and Date
The game is scheduled to take place on 23rd August 2024 (Saturday). The match will tip off at 8:45 PM (Indian Standard Time).
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