What was previously a ho-hum game between Team USA and Argentina in the final game of group play in the 2012 Olympic basketball tournament suddenly took on a different tone near the end of the third quarter. As Carmelo Anthony took a three-point shot, point guard Facundo Campazzao, starting for the injured Pablo Prigioni, appeared to hit Anthony deliberately in the groin.
Team USA Vs. Argentina: Carmelo Anthony Hit Below The Belt At End Of 3rd Quarter
Here’s a GIF of the play.
This enraged several Team USA players, as well as coach Mike Krzyzewski. The players and coach were jawing at several Argentina players as the third quarter ended, and they remained angry in the fourth quarter. It’s always difficult to truly measure intent, but it certainly looks like Campazzao meant to hit Anthony there.
In any event, Team USA's anger was let out in one jaw-dropping slam dunk by Russell Westbrook. Here that is.
There remains a decent chance that these two teams see each other again in this tournament. If Team USA tops Australia as expected and Argentina defeats Brazil in the quarterfinals, the two teams will face each other again with a spot in the Gold Medal game on the line.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation’s London 2012 Olympics hub. For more on Olympic basketball, follow the 2012 Olympic basketball section.
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