FINAL Men’s Basketball: USA Crushes Australia to Cruise Into Semis, 116-85

It was medal-round (and dinner) time in China which meant that the Redeem Team was providing some breakfast theater in New York this morning as they took on Australia in the quarter-final. To read our near-live commentary and analysis of the game, written as it happened, scroll down the page and read back up. The things we do for the love of the game…0956 ET It was a close game through the first half as Australia limited its turnovers, but a three-pointer on the stroke of half-time really changed the face of the game. From a 9-point deficit for the Aussies, it became 12 at the break. And when the Americans started the third quarter on fire, thanks in large part to Kobe Bryant’s hot hand, the outcome was all but decided. Kobe finished with 23 points and LeBron had 16, while the team shot 56.6 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. Once that long-range shooting clicked, the Aussies didn’t stand a chance. 0943 ET It’s over! Actually, it was over about 20 minutes ago, so I should say: There’s no more time on the clock! The U.S. wins 116-85 to cruise into the semis on Friday. 0942 ET Inside the final minute, the U.S. is up 116-85 thanks to phenomenal performances from LeBron and Kobe. But beyond them, the performances of Chris Bosh and Tayshaun Prince really stood out. 0938 ET They even thanked the interns. And now, they’re wishing people a happy birthday. Yes, it’s officially a blowout now.0935 ET The NBC announcers are thanking the production crew. That should tell you everything you need to know about where this game stands with just over 3 minutes left. It’s 106-80 and the U.S. will now look ahead to the winner of the Greece-Argentina game in Friday’s semi-final. 0932 ET Michael Redd, who was brought into the fold almost as the United States’ token three-point shooter, shows what he’s all about with a three from the corner. But in a game like this where the Americans have actually found their touch from range, he seems happy to just get on the floor. Carlos Boozer is on now too meaning every American will have played. SOURCE:NYT.COM