SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — Back and forth they went, the reigning Olympic champions from the U.S. on one side, the reigning Basketball World Cup champions from Spain on the other.
The difference: The Americans had Kevin Durant.
He scored 29 points to keep his quest for a third Olympic title alive, and the Americans are headed to the medal round after ousting Spain 95-81 on Tuesday in a men's quarterfinal matchup at the Tokyo Games.
Ricky Rubio was brilliant for Spain, scoring 38 points and Sergio Rodriguez added 16 points.