Tokyo 2020 Men's Olympics Basketball Tournament

[Pamadar]

Same here, I don't even recognize his name, with that points, I think if he is only given enough minutes and exposure by the Bucks, he could be a big asset to the team.  His average on the Bucks is only 5.7 points, with very limited minutes. He is just 22 years old, still more room for improvement.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nworajo01.html

Providing that stats with very limited minutes, meaning to say that he's really a scorer.

And with how he played during this olympic games, he might be recognized by other teams, though he's already in a good spot since Bucks just won the title, and if he's still in contract that's really a good privilege for him. Going back to the topic, Nigeria comes out short they try to hold but Germany play well in the last quarter.

[Harkorede]

Nigeria vs Germany is live now, good game as it is very close and I'm not seeing anyone leading as much as 5 points in this game.

And it's a high scoring ball game, I thought this could go not over 165 points but it seems that I'm going to lost my bet. Still in the 2nd quarter score currently 50-47 Nigeria.

Edit: half-time now 50-50.

The game went over 165 points and it's one of the most exciting games in the Olympics.
Though Nigeria went short on this one, but Jordan Nwora who just won a ring in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks has displayed amazing performance with 33 points of 65% fg percentage. I honestly don't know he's a member of the Bucks until I've search his basketball background.

Same here, I don't even recognize his name, with that points, I think if he is only given enough minutes and exposure by the Bucks, he could be a big asset to the team.  His average on the Bucks is only 5.7 points, with very limited minutes. He is just 22 years old, still more room for improvement.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nworajo01.html

During the pre competition games the signs were really promising for the Nigerian team after consecutive wins against USA and Argentina, but this tournament performance has been subpar, and this was their closest game and probably their best shot at stealing a win, but there's still a win big or bust affair in the last game against Italy.

I couldn't watch USA - Iran game because it was too early but there were no surprises here. USA won with 54 points difference. If I could make a bet I'd choose at least 30 points margin for USA win.
Now we will watch Czechia and France game, while everybody expect France to win comfortably I wonder what would be the handicap to make bets. By the looks of odds 9 points difference is average expectation, though I expect France to lead at least by 10 points.

I guess the spread was below 50, so it's an easy win if you could have put a bet on the USA to win, they loss against France, so it's expected that they'll bounce back strong, sad for me too, I have not thought of betting on the USA, that game was lost in my mind.

The team USA have finally put on the A game mode, but I don't think it's still all a perfect game until they get tested by better sides. The win should already guarantee them a place in the next round, I guess.

[TheGreatPython]

Honestly when USA is winning like this, that should be also gaining some momentum for them as well. They lost to France which is a shameful display and they are "most probably" going to be second in the group as well, I doubt that France would lose either to czechs or Iran for that matter, but let's assume that even if they end up somehow being the first, they are going to face a lot better opponents in the upcoming matches. They really need to get their work in order and win the last game so that it would not be a shame for them.

With all of that said, I still think that Slovenia has a big shot at this title, I know everyone thinks USA will win but after such a horrible display against France and seeing how Luka can bring so much to the table, I feel like as long as Luka can will his team to wins, there is still a "chance", not saying it will happen, but it is at least possible.

[dwyane36]

The team USA have finally put on the A game mode, but I don't think it's still all a perfect game until they get tested by better sides. The win should already guarantee them a place in the next round, I guess.

Of course, it's great that the USA won by 54 points, but they were playing against the weakest team in this tournament. By the way, the teams in first and second place of each group and the two best teams in 3rd place will qualify for the next round. So it looks like the USA guaranteed a place in the next phase.

[morvillz7z]

By the way, the teams in first and second place of each group and the two best teams in 3rd place will qualify for the next round.

I'd like to expand on that because FIBA format differs slightly from what most people expect to see in the next round.

So, based on their records and points difference, those eight teams (first two in each group and two best third teams) will be split into 2 groups, "seeded" and "unseeded", and there will be a draw to decide the matchups. France and Australia with two wins out of two matches and team USA (with that huge win over Iran) are almost certain locks for the seeded group, the fourth team in that seeded group will be either Spain or Slovenia who play against each other in the final round of Group C. There will be at least one very good team (contender) in that unseeded group.

[Joca97]

The team USA have finally put on the A game mode, but I don't think it's still all a perfect game until they get tested by better sides. The win should already guarantee them a place in the next round, I guess.

Of course, it's great that the USA won by 54 points, but they were playing against the weakest team in this tournament. By the way, the teams in first and second place of each group and the two best teams in 3rd place will qualify for the next round. So it looks like the USA guaranteed a place in the next phase.

Totally unexpected for USA to even lose to France in the first match. But this was expected for them to crush Iran. They are by far the worst team on the olympic games. But USA will have to play much much better to even get a medal on this olymipic games

[sunsilk]

Anyone here thinks that Slovenia has a chance to win the gold medal?

To answer your question... I'll be honest, being champions I don't know, but I strongly believe that they have a chance of getting a medal (probably bronze).
Slovenia is an excellent team, Luka Dondic carried the team on his back against Argentina (48 points, 6-14 - 3 points), let's see if Luka will continue with that same performance! I will follow the next games.

Maybe.

But the chance is more with the usual teams like USA. There's a tiny chance that they may have it but we'll get to see that until the final round is set.

Right now, they're doing good at their group but we'll still about to see which team is going to be at the final.

[Johnyz]

The team USA have finally put on the A game mode, but I don't think it's still all a perfect game until they get tested by better sides. The win should already guarantee them a place in the next round, I guess.

Of course, it's great that the USA won by 54 points, but they were playing against the weakest team in this tournament. By the way, the teams in first and second place of each group and the two best teams in 3rd place will qualify for the next round. So it looks like the USA guaranteed a place in the next phase.

Totally unexpected for USA to even lose to France in the first match. But this was expected for them to crush Iran. They are by far the worst team on the olympic games. But USA will have to play much much better to even get a medal on this olymipic games

That’s right they have to do their best on their next games to at least get a medal though there are still chance for them to get the gold again, but if they didn’t improve better team will claim the title. USA is one of the best in the league, they have to prove it at all cost and get the gold.

[wheelz1200]

Anyone here thinks that Slovenia has a chance to win the gold medal?

To answer your question... I'll be honest, being champions I don't know, but I strongly believe that they have a chance of getting a medal (probably bronze).
Slovenia is an excellent team, Luka Dondic carried the team on his back against Argentina (48 points, 6-14 - 3 points), let's see if Luka will continue with that same performance! I will follow the next games.

Ypu can bet high power teams are going to throw double and triple teams at Luka.  He will get his points against teams like the US but his teammates are going to have to seriously step up.  Can't see them winning the whole thing just on Lukas back but hey who knows right.  There have been bigger upsets at the olympics.

[goinmerry]

With all of that said, I still think that Slovenia has a big shot at this title, I know everyone thinks USA will win but after such a horrible display against France and seeing how Luka can bring so much to the table, I feel like as long as Luka can will his team to wins, there is still a "chance", not saying it will happen, but it is at least possible.

If Luka's teammate will step up, there's a possibility that they can beat the USA even by 50/50.

Team USA already knows how Luka played, obviously because of lots of meetings in the NBA, and they already have tactics to contain him if ever they will face each other.

That's the time now for Luka's teammates to adjust. But before thinking that possible scenario, let's see who wins first on their respective stages.

[danherbias07]

My first ever win betting in an Olympics game.

Now let's see if Japan could at least prevent it to become a blowout game against Slovenia. I am betting for them at +18.5.
Spain won against Japan last time with just 11 point lead. I hope the performance will be the same or better. Betting against Luka may not be wise but that's +18.5 which is a good deal.  

Lose - ergh!

[Questat]

Now let's see if Japan could at least prevent it to become a blowout game against Slovenia. I am betting for them at +18.5.
Spain won against Japan last time with just 11 point lead. I hope the performance will be the same or better. Betting against Luka may not be wise but that's +18.5 which is a good deal.  

Lose - ergh!

ctto


It was a blowout win, sorry man, just bounce back next time.

Slovenia has proven that they are too much against Japan, and Luka still had another great game in this run.

Maybe it's not a good idea to bet against Slovenia, Luka is too hard to handle.

[casperBGD]

~snip

Maybe it's not a good idea to bet against Slovenia, Luka is too hard to handle.

it depends on the match, this was a shooting night for Slovenia, and where there are 116 points, it is easy to surpass +18.5 difference
win was not in a question for a moment

interesting development in the group, since one team will probably drop out, Spain or Argentine, and all need big difference to Japan, to be within top2 third placed teams, for next round placement, in case all third placed teams have two wins

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Now let's see if Japan could at least prevent it to become a blowout game against Slovenia. I am betting for them at +18.5.
Spain won against Japan last time with just 11 point lead. I hope the performance will be the same or better. Betting against Luka may not be wise but that's +18.5 which is a good deal.  

Lose - ergh!

ctto
[..]

It was a blowout win, sorry man, just bounce back next time.

Slovenia has proven that they are too much against Japan, and Luka still had another great game in this run.

Maybe it's not a good idea to bet against Slovenia, Luka is too hard to handle.

Yep, even the host country, can't take the heat out of Luka, I also thought that it will be a good game and not a blow out one. But Luka, has torch team and if I have to bet, I will also tail @danherbias07  because after all it is their home court.

Unfortunately, Luka's experience is really showing in this Olympics, I mean he has played a great game in the playoffs and still carrying in this Olympics.

[freedomgo]

Now let's see if Japan could at least prevent it to become a blowout game against Slovenia. I am betting for them at +18.5.
Spain won against Japan last time with just 11 point lead. I hope the performance will be the same or better. Betting against Luka may not be wise but that's +18.5 which is a good deal.  

Lose - ergh!

ctto
[..]

It was a blowout win, sorry man, just bounce back next time.

Slovenia has proven that they are too much against Japan, and Luka still had another great game in this run.

Maybe it's not a good idea to bet against Slovenia, Luka is too hard to handle.

Yep, even the host country, can't take the heat out of Luka, I also thought that it will be a good game and not a blow out one. But Luka, has torch team and if I have to bet, I will also tail @danherbias07  because after all it is their home court.

Unfortunately, Luka's experience is really showing in this Olympics, I mean he has played a great game in the playoffs and still carrying in this Olympics.

Does anyone know the current ranking? I mean from the top 1 favorites down to the lowest. I read some article and it states that Australia is the top favorites to win the gold, and USA is just in the top 3, how accurate it is you think?

https://www.fiba.basketball/olympics/men/2020/news/men-s-olympic-basketball-power-rankings-volume-1

[yazher]

Looks like the other national teams have more impact than the current USA team. Just look how Luka making names in this tournament where they dominated every opponent that comes on their way. Another good basketball play we are seeing here is if we are just focusing on one team. A lot of greatness especially for the recent wins of Slovenia, Luka Magic still continues.

[Hypnosis00]

Looks like the other national teams have more impact than the current USA team. Just look how Luka making names in this tournament where they dominated every opponent that comes on their way. Another good basketball play we are seeing here is if we are just focusing on one team. A lot of greatness especially for the recent wins of Slovenia, Luka Magic still continues.

Luka's sensation is still felt, lol.. The USA now is not anymore a dream team, they are not composed of the best players in the NBA so other national teams has a big chance of beating them. They lose against France and we know France is not even the top favorite to win, so will see with their upcoming games.

[bisdak40]

Looks like the other national teams have more impact than the current USA team. Just look how Luka making names in this tournament where they dominated every opponent that comes on their way. Another good basketball play we are seeing here is if we are just focusing on one team. A lot of greatness especially for the recent wins of Slovenia, Luka Magic still continues.

Luka's sensation is still felt, lol.. The USA now is not anymore a dream team, they are not composed of the best players in the NBA so other national teams has a big chance of beating them. They lose against France and we know France is not even the top favorite to win, so will see with their upcoming games.

IMO, Team USA is still the best but only other teams have caught up with them. Luka is good, no question about that but he can't do it alone and carry his team into the Finals sooner or later they will lose to a more complete team. This achievement of Luka is good enough for him to become the hero of his country when he comes home.

[dwyane36]

If Luka's teammate will step up, there's a possibility that they can beat the USA even by 50/50.

Team USA already knows how Luka played, obviously because of lots of meetings in the NBA, and they already have tactics to contain him if ever they will face each other.

That's the time now for Luka's teammates to adjust. But before thinking that possible scenario, let's see who wins first on their respective stages.

Yeah, Doncic shows great performance at these Olympic games, and I would like to see Slovenia against the USA in the final match of this tournament. However, it's worth noting that the USA was almost always the favorite at the Olympic Games, and last time they did not win gold medals only in 2004.

[Reid]

This thread just caught a virus from Luka's magical smile. Ain't there anything else?
How about Luis Scola with his silvered-haired grandpa look making the 4th rank of all-time total leading scorer in the Olympics Men's Basketball with 548 points
Above him at 3rd place is Pau Gasol (Spain active) with 623 points. 2nd is Andrew Gaze (Australia) 789 and Oscar Schmidt (Brazil) at the top 1093 points.