Watching the USA vs Spain basketball showdown at the Tokyo Olympics, I couldn’t help but reflect on how often we focus so intensely on the star-studded American roster that we overlook the incredible depth and strategy of teams like Spain. That doesn’t mean the rest of the league are afterthoughts—far from it. Spain came into this game with a clear, cohesive identity, built over years of playing together, and for large stretches of the game, they made Team USA look vulnerable. As someone who’s followed international basketball for years, I’ve always admired Spain’s disciplined, team-first approach, and in this matchup, they once again proved why they belong among the world’s elite.
From the opening tip, Spain executed their game plan beautifully. They moved the ball with purpose, finding open shooters and exploiting defensive lapses. Ricky Rubio was absolutely sensational, pouring in 38 points and controlling the tempo in a way that few players can against USA’s athleticism. I’ve always been a fan of Rubio’s creativity, and seeing him dominate on this stage was a joy. On the other side, Team USA started slowly—something that’s become a worrying trend. They missed defensive rotations early, and Spain capitalized, building a 10-point lead in the second quarter. The U.S. defense looked disjointed at times, and I found myself wondering if their reliance on individual talent would cost them against such a well-drilled opponent.
But as we’ve seen so many times, the USA’s depth and firepower eventually began to shine through. Kevin Durant, as cool as ever, dropped 29 points and hit clutch shots whenever Spain threatened to pull away. His ability to score from anywhere, under pressure, is just remarkable. What stood out to me, though, was how the Americans adjusted defensively in the second half. They switched more aggressively, forced Spain into tougher shots, and generated turnovers that led to easy baskets. Jrue Holiday’s defense was a game-changer—his 3 steals and relentless on-ball pressure disrupted Spain’s flow and gave Team USA the momentum they desperately needed.
The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth, with both teams trading baskets and neither willing to give an inch. Spain’s big men, Pau Gasol and Willy Hernangómez, battled inside, combining for around 28 points and 15 rebounds, but Team USA’s speed in transition proved decisive. I have to admit, I was on the edge of my seat during those final minutes. The U.S. ultimately pulled away to win 95-81, but the final score doesn’t capture how competitive this game really was. Spain led for significant portions and exposed some real flaws in the American system—particularly their half-court offense, which at times looked stagnant against Spain’s disciplined defense.
Looking back, this game reinforced my belief that international basketball has closed the gap significantly. Teams like Spain are no longer just respectable opponents; they are genuine threats capable of beating the USA on any given day. The Americans’ victory was hard-earned, built on individual brilliance and key adjustments, but it also highlighted areas for improvement—especially their consistency and defensive communication. For Spain, despite the loss, they showed the world that teamwork and chemistry can go toe-to-toe with sheer talent. In the end, while Team USA advanced, this game was a reminder that in today’s global basketball landscape, no team can be taken lightly. Every matchup matters, and as this contest proved, overlooking any opponent is a mistake.