Final, Turkey vs. USA

[SouL InvictuS]

Looks like everything normal again. =)

http://turkey2010.fiba.com/img/flag/67x54//TUR.png vs http://turkey2010.fiba.com/img/flag/67x54//USA.png

[Richey666]

Based on today's officiating: Turkey is allowed to use wrestling and kickboxing in defense, at the same time,will get 50 FTs on 40 US fouls, Durant and several other US players are gonna foul out and Turkey will win by 1 point by lay-up.

[L8DBACK]

This will be a great match-up! Good luck to both teams! May the best team wins! GO USA!:D

[Phantim3dx]

shit homecourt advantage all the way to turkey...usa will DEFINITELY BE IN HOSTILE TERRITORY

at this point and im being serious about this. it will be 50/50 anyone winning this game. im not so sure my country is mature enough to face a team with enough composure and maturity to go and play against the turks in their court

[robbe]

Turkey 60-40 favourites, but in one game everything can happen.

[Dtown]

Game is going to be epic. The young US squad is going to have to keep their cool, and weather an early storm from the Turks.

The crowd is going to be the most hostile a US team has faced in years, going to have to expect some home cooking from the refs as well.

Keys to win.

Weather the initial storm of emotion.
Keep a level head.
Take the crowd out of the game.
Pressure D, Pressure D, Pressure D.

It's going to be close, even without the other intangibles Turkey is playing pretty damn good ball. Throw in everything else and anything can happen.

USA by 2, Durant gets the game winning shot.

GO USA!

[heineken]

injure durant and it's over...
seriously the crowd is gonna be wild, thats why they brought billups, odom for such things

[JGX]

Congratulations in advance to Turkey. It is always nice to see a team win a championship in front of their home fans and hopefully it will help the development of the sport in the country. After watching Durant kill Russia and Lithuania they will surely play him more physically and keep him contained.

This is the final that everyone wanted to see, even though some probably won't admit it.

[usagre]

wake up people!
usa by 25.

[Panco]

For the first time, I hope USA wins it. After such a disgraceful officiating today, I can not support Turkey. Seems like, Fiba's shameful dream of final was fulfilled..
I hope Asik will get a real punch, will not need to fake this time.

[SYTEM FAILURE]

I don't think that FIBA can afford such one-sided judging again. USA+20

[L8DBACK]

shit homecourt advantage all the way to turkey...usa will DEFINITELY BE IN HOSTILE TERRITORY

at this point and im being serious about this. it will be 50/50 anyone winning this game. im not so sure my country is mature enough to face a team with enough composure and maturity to go and play against the turks in their court

Just have faith! This is my own personal opinion. This is Turkey's first WC Finals appearance. I believe that the Turks will be under tremendous pressure to win the Gold especially at home court! The question is do they have the experience to handle and overcome a pressure game against the USA? This one thing for sure, Team USA will definitely apply pressure defense resulting in turnovers, points on fast breaks, and better transitions. The man Turkey need to guard is DURANT! If Durant continues to score those big points, it's all over. Turkey needs to take care of the ball. I believe USA 3's will be raining-in in the championship finals. When the tough gets tougher, this fuels USA to a higher level of basketball. Win or lose, GO FOR BROKE!, GO USA!:D

[Kienzan]

For the first time, I hope USA wins it. After such a disgraceful officiating today, I can not support Turkey. Seems like, Fiba's shameful dream of final was fulfilled..
I hope Asik will get a real punch, will not need to fake this time.

Same here. I don't think I ever supported USA in basketball, but I guess there is first time for everything.

[SouL InvictuS]

well, im more than 30 years old now and i ve seen so many questionable wins in european/world basketball. just remember how the soviets beat that american team at last second and became champion.

and i can remember too many games greece,yugoslavia,croatio,spain,argentina etc won with help of refs. and i think this was turkeys turn and they got that help from refs.

but if you can look objectively you have to admit something this was not the best game for Turkey and they won again,serbia played great,teodosic was greatest of all players in court tonight. but even with all those greatness it was not enough to beat turkey, pls dont say cuz of refs, teodosic got too many fake fauls and put all the turkish guards to faul trouble.

imao refs are 60-40 to turkey. but you all know better than me,if you are great team you have to beat the refs too..

[bobo81]

I don't want to flame out about the Serb-Turk game in here but yes I do feel bad for the Serbs so I do hope we beat the the hosts by a good number.

I mean no disrespect to the Turks here but I am very unpleased with some of the Turk players, very tasteless attitudes in this tourney.

I understand it might be hard for some of you to cheer for America since either you hate USA or because of some deeper resentment, but our players are well-disciplined guys who have done nothing but show good sportsmanship. Yeah I agree Granger's twitter was stupid (glad he removed it) and perhaps Igua's frustration today againt Lith showed a little too brightly, but I am saying this team is a bball winner with attitudes.

If USA wins, basketball will win. This USA team is not the same cocky players before and actually have heart in winning this championship.

[L8DBACK]

Very well said. Hope it will be a good game!:D

[ecay]

USA is %70 favourite.I predict USA by 10+ difference.

[Gonzaka]

I think US will win relatively easy, but I want Turks FTW.

This is the last match of Bogdan Tanjević in a bench. Isn't it?

PS: Where is the poll?

[Frosties]

I think US will win relatively easy, but I want Turks FTW.

This is the last match of Bogdan Tanjević in a bench. Isn't it?



Unfortunately. A living lengend.

[WeAreTurks]

http://www.haberciniz.biz/turkiye-79-77-porto-riko-2010-dunya-basketbol-sampiyonasi-video-izle-231566h.jpg

[SouL InvictuS]

PS: Where is the poll?

I didn't add because after tonights game most people will use this poll to show their hate and add it to their comments " look poll says %99 USA %1 Turkey, no body loves you buhahah " or something.

it is better with this. :rolleyes:

[UMUT_FB_LAL]

Another ass to kick?

Turkey by 20 :D

[trpwgs]

It's definitely going to be a good match. I'm looking forward to it. Good luck to both teams, it's not going to be easy for us but we have faith! Zone defense is the key. We'll have some problems with offense naturally but we have to be cool and play slowly. I'm not afraid of Billups. Durant will be a problem though.

[Frosties]

It's definitely going to be a good match. I'm looking forward to it. Good luck to both teams, it's not going to be easy for us but we have faith! Zone defense is the key. We'll have some problems with offense naturally but we have to be cool and play slowly. I'm not afraid of Billups. Durant will be a problem though.

Turkey has no chance whatsoever. It is a worse team, they must be exhausted and today we saw they cannot handle the preassure at all...

[tensai]

let`s go usa fuck those turkey`s clowns!!
they dont play defence they are kickboxing and fuckin refs allowed them that!:mad:

easy guy.. that just a game..
don't need racism..
i didn't see kickboxing in the game.. refs were 60-40..
when you are playing at home its normal..
you (sebs) know better than us..

i remember some robbing from serbs (yugo)
didn't you win argentina in olyimpics with the huge helping of refs?

[fordham baldy]

I don't know.Usa has the advantage on backcourt,Turkey on frontcourt.If i was coach K i'd try a line up of pg-Iggy-Durant-Odom-Love/Chandler to match Turkey's height advantage.

[Frosties]

What a biased comment... No chance? There's always a chance. In this case, a great one too.

USA is exhausted too. We saw this today. Europe basketball is nothing like NBA and also decisions of the coach and play times are starting to be a problem amongst players as well. We'll see what happens... But no chance? That's an exaggeration.

I believe there is no chance.... today´s semifinal has been the most physical game so far. There is always a chance, true... but you get my point.

[Frosties]

tomorrow they wont have to handle a pressure at all. tomorrow is a bonus match man. we are in final, thats it. we are already successful also have nothing to lose but win.:)

Well... you have something to lose... becoming World Champions, is there anything bigger than that????

[gravity]

I prefer Turkey-USA final to Serbia-USA game. This is not about my nationality. World basketball need "new" teams. We tired to watch old countries like Serbia,Lithuania,Greece.

They always well when they win but when they lost, Fiba bad, referees bad, home team bad, he is bad, she is bad.... everybody bad.... no, those countries BAD! They use basketball for themselves. but Basketball isn't only YOURS.
They don't want blowouts, asian teams, african teams, bla bla bla...
I like to watch Porto Rico's fighting,Jordan's amateur play...

Basketball isn't mean Serbia,Lithuania or Greece. All of the world like to play basketball....



about USA game. USA isn't same with Serbia which can play difficult minutes all the game. so, if we can play our normal game, We can win with +10..

[kecal]

After watching today's semifinals, I would suggest for the FIBA to ruin it all till the end...:rolleyes:

I expect lots of American posters crying out loud tomorrow about the refs... and hey, they deserve it, with their "refs do not ever help us" attitude... just sorry, guys... Hopefully, you'll see what it's like, when the refs REALLY do not help you. Not even the Serbs were protected today, and they are known for that... and that is a really bad sign for Team USA.

[GustavoGanso]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1JxD8cf25g

great game!

i think... USA 87x78 Turkey

[bobo81]

I don't know.Usa has the advantage on backcourt,Turkey on frontcourt.If i was coach K i'd try a line up of pg-Iggy-Durant-Odom-Love/Chandler to match Turkey's height advantage.

Chandler will foul out in 6 mins.

Unfortunately Odom will have to play BIG tomorrow, and I mean BIG.

Other than that Turkey's size have a good chance of playing paint ball tomorrow since they should score a lot in the paint.

[bobo81]

After watching today's semifinals, I would suggest for the FIBA to ruin it all till the end...:rolleyes:

I expect lots of American posters crying out loud tomorrow about the refs... and hey, they deserve it, with their "refs do not ever help us" attitude... just sorry, guys... Hopefully, you'll see what it's like, when the refs REALLY do not help you. Not even the Serbs were protected today, and they are known for that... and that is a really bad sign for Team USA.

You know as much complaining on refs I have seen here, I agree Turkey get away with more. I noticed many teams do not get many "And 1" calls. So if you score a basket and get hammered you may not get the 1 foul shot.

Whatever.

I am not about to complain about reffing unless they really take the game away. Something like waiving off a last minute shot when it should count, or something like that. I believe our players are fully capable of pulling themselves together even when the officiating seems to go the other way.

As I always say, let's see what these boys are made out of. :cool:

[del_piero]

I'm not sure abot handling Durant. He will score +30 probably. We should minimize other scorers. I see Eric Gordon as a major threat. Today we allowed a lot of open shots and Eric scores 3pts as if he's hitting a free lay-up. Besides him Chauncey clutches when he needed and Lamar Odom seems to be a headache underneath our hoop.

Our best chance is starting hardly and making it a +10 game in 2nd quarter. I'd like to see Usa panic and we enjoy our effort in defence.

[revan]

Hi, i am a first time poster. I think Turkey vs. USA will be the best game of the tournament. It is going to be an epic game and will be remembered for a long time.

US NT is obviously more talented than Turkish NT but hopefully being the host team will even the odds for Turkish side.

Turkish NT has beaten Russia, Greece, Slovenia and even Serbia in this WC. These are among the most powerful NTs of Europe and all of them had a chance to win gold medal one way or another. so i believe Turkish NT truly deserved to play finals against USA.


I believe that the Turks will be under tremendous pressure to win the Gold especially at home court!
I think Turkish players will not feel that much of a pressure in the final game. Turkish NT has already achieved more than anybody could possibly ask from them. Even if USA smashed us to pieces in the final game (which is unlikely) we will still be proud of our boys.

When I was a young boy, I would laugh if somebody told me that one day we would play against USA in the WC finals . Now I am 26 years old and the dream has come true. Turkish basketball has come a long way in the last decade and i believe the popularity of basketball will increase dramatically in the years to come, thanks to this year's WC.

I think final game will be a very close match so i cant guess who is gonna win the gold medal but i am sure of one thing: I will be cheering up for my team even if they lose the game by 25+ because they are all heroes in my eyes

Go 12 Giant Men Go!

[Gonzaka]

This match remembers me the 2001 Eurobasket final. The home team against the best team.

[bobo81]

When I was a young boy, I would laugh if somebody told me that one day we would play against USA in the WC finals . Now I am 26 years old and the dream has come true. Turkish basketball has come a long way in the last decade and i believe the popularity of basketball will increase dramatically in the years to come, thanks to this year's WC.


I can only imagine how this must be for many Turkish bball fans and supporters. Honestly if you would have told me even a year ago that Turkey would be in the finals I would have called you liar. Probably the most improved bball team we have seen in a while.

[Gonzaka]

These last years, the turkish NT was very irregular. They made some good championships (2009, 2006...) and other terrible tournaments (Eurobaskets of 2005 and 2007).

But I'm agree, their improve this year is spectacular.

[surfer]

a lot of people deciding on which team to support based on the idea that who they hate the least, Turkey or USA. I feel almost flattered.

[Kotarac]

even teodosic is not a turk, can you believe it :/

go home baby.

Maybe his background is Turkish...when Serbian principality spread borders and took lands that were under Ottoman control all the Turks that didn't leave converted to Christianity and took Serbian names...that's why for a lot of Serbs it is said they are originally Turks...and they have similar appearance too...

[madhal]

There has to be a one day rest for both teams. Best team wins :)

[Gonzaka]

Maybe his background is Turkish...when Serbian principality spread borders and took lands that were under Ottoman control all the Turks that didn't leave converted to Christianity and took Serbian names...that's why for a lot of Serbs it is said they are originally Turks...and they have similar appearance too...I'm learning more history here in this forum, than in 10 years in the school.:D

[SouL InvictuS]

Guys please leave your comments about tonights game out of this topic.

Lets make this topic clean and peaceful for finals game.

no offense. :)

[artorius]

our team played as shit today,and still they won the game by chance(as serbia won over spain).so usa will dominate the game by durant,but maybe our guys will turn to theirselves when they see hillary next to our protocol :)

[wake up]

Turkey can win. There is great oportunity if Kevin Durant break a leg... or arm... :D

[ferrotello]

let`s go usa fuck those turkey`s clowns!!
they dont play defence they are kickboxing and fuckin refs allowed them that!:mad:

Don't be funny, are we kickboxing and wrestling haha, respect the success we if have gained you don't respect, then don't write such nonsense and dirty messages.

[hoover]

Oh please stfu about the referee thing and disgrace thing. Just fucking comment on this game! If you're not commenting on the final game and still talking about tonights game and referees please gtfo from this topic. I'm getting sick of these comments. It's passed.

About the match, it'll be a tough game for sure. Normally it'd be an easy win for USA but some miraculous things have happened to our national team plus the home advantage, it's 55:45 for USA IMO. We all saw how important Durant is for USA team and when he was out, they had some trouble with scoring in Lithuania game. If we somehow manage to stop Durant(which seems a little bit impossible if you don't injure him) we'll have the same chance with USA.

[Peace_for_All]

to be honest,USA for %70.

Im happy to see developping of the Turkish basketball and proud of NT players,but USA will get that one for sure :confused:

[Tolga]

Turkey vs. Serbia thread was a nice one to to study the sociological differences between Western Europe and Southeastern Europe.

Incredible level of racism...
Disgusting comments...
So many people interested in ethnicity of players...

I expect high participation from the same group for this topic too. :D

[nikolaos]

after watching the game today (serbia vs turkey), i have to say that fiba is disgusting

USA is going to win by 15 pts

[ferrotello]

I haven't followed much the tournament, i just watched Turkey's matches, what is the cahnce of Turkey's winning final, USA, had difficulty while winning in some matches and it shouldn't be impossible for us to win them, but; still they are definite favourite in today's match.

[hoover]

turkey congratulations on winning the silver medal.

Oh come on? No chance at all? Those who give no chance to Turkey, all I can say is we'll see:)

[nikolaos]

Oh come on? No chance at all? Those who give no chance to Turkey, all I can say is we'll see:)

well if you win, it will definitely be because of the refs

[fordham baldy]

turkish invasion.Seriously how did all of you find this board?Someone gave the link in a popular turkish site maybe?

[Thanatos]

well if you win, it will definitely be because of the refs

Like all of your victories ? Come on dude, everyone is crying with this bullshits, even in Turkey lol.

[felix_r]

Go, Turkey! :D

For the people, who complain about the refs:

I want to remind you, that serbs and greeks always have friendly refs in every European Championships because of their connections in FIBA-Europe. So for once Turkey got friendly refs, so what? Please, lets stop crying!

BTW, in the first semifinal USA got a lot of friendly (and very wrong!) calls, that just killed Lithuania. Why nobody speak about it?

[Peace_for_All]

well if you win, it will definitely be because of the refs

well count it for one of your ref supported wins.

Greece gets boost from refs all the time.

Turkey gets only one per a decade.

Note:Seriously,stop being offensive and rude.

[Strida]

Durant is going to show everyone once again why he is the scoring champion.:D

[SouL InvictuS]

stop with all this nonsense please!

you are not going to conquer or invade another country with these comments. just go to sleep.

this is for both turks and guys from other countries who make childish comments.

[nikolaos]

Durant is going to show everyone once again why he is the scoring champion.:D

I hope so, USA deserves to win

[volkan_hto]

I think it is the final that a lot of people wants to see. One side the young talents(exept Billups:D) of NBA, the other side the rising home team Turkey.
I wish Turkey wins it but before that i want an honest game not talking about the refs. I don't want to see any racizm or unsportsmenship.
The match will be close. probably goes to last shot. I watched the game SRB vs. TUR again now and Serbian players didn't get any boxing. It's just exaggeration because of losing. With a relaxed mind they will see it too. We are all humans it always hurts when you lose.
Fairplay with no racizm and an epic game. Just watch the tournament with your mind.

[Peace_for_All]

guys please ignore any comments from users with "ccc" or derivatives :D

[Srle]

USA will win there will be no ref games tomorrow. If that happens USA will invade Turkey like they did with Iraq :D

[surfer]

to all users who have been posting ridiculous things or messages of hate, please do us a favor and don't waste your enegry on hitting the keyboard because your pointless posts will get deleted anyway. to all others who are willing to talk about basketball, please carry on.

[Guard]

Some quality posts in this topic. Gotta love the hooligan invasion to IBN.
Mods gonna have a nightmare when they wake up.

[greek-legacy]

even with the help of the refs, the turkish team will lose by 30.This is a pity because a final between Serbia and US would be more interesting.

[ferrotello]

well if you win, it will definitely be because of the refs

No one can win a match just because of referees, why are you ignoring the efforts that our player's put and the great defence we have performed. I don't think that we can make a win tomorrow, but if we can succeed, it will not be definetely because of referees. By the way, the tournament is in Turkey, and in every organizations referrees make choices benefit of home grounds and it is impossible to say referrees have affected the game in favour of us except for that game. For this game, these calls are not many, just a few. I guess you didn't see the act Teodosic did to referee after the match. Moreover everyone remembers the friendly! match between Greece and Recembia played recently.

[Peace_for_All]

well my greek friends.

you are really so provocative.

Please stop that pointless ref argument.

[greek-legacy]

Loosing with a big margin in the final is something you guys do well...

Yes you are right. And what about the semi final with Mr Lebron James?I think we didnt win with the refs. This is your practise.

[kyosphere]

I don't give a damn...USA wins +50...I just don't care...We celebrated tonight like we won it all, so that's enough...

Since Turkey-Serbia thread is locked..I have few words to say about this disgraceful night on IBN...

WOW! I've been on this forum for a year now and this is the only place where I'm a member all over the internet because I used to find here as the most amazing forum, but not anymore...

I feel sorry for my fellow countrymen who became member today and spilled out thier hatred in a very uncivilized way...If you want some respect, be respecful in the first place..and learn how to celebrate properly for fuck sake...

And those who are whining about refs... For all those years, we were fucked by them over and over again...And now I see people going nuts but I can't help myself asking "2002 vs. Argentina, 1995 vs. Lithuania and those people who owe their medals to FIBA blaming us for today??" I know we had push from refs but It doesn't bother me at all..

If you guys are so angry about today, I will be glad because that means you now know how it feels...And About Asik's fake injury, pathetic act indeed but don't hate the player, hate the game..Apperantly it is the way to win sometimes, though we learnt so late than we should have, but we learnt from the best if you know what i mean...

"for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."
(Matthew 26:52)


respect

[SparrowHawk]

Well, I think that USA will beat Turkey comfortable. The point difference could be more or less, question is how much USA players will fool around.

Turkey will get another HOME SILVER, last time they at least fight, play and deserved it, this time it has been handed to them on a plate.

So it will be very wise for Turkish Federation to plan another competition in next 10 years in order to get some medals, if not, they will continue to be owned by Spaniards, Serbians, Lithuanians and Greeks.

[Keisukehonda]

Too much hate against Turkey in this forum especially from Greek and Serbian members (ironic that we beat both of them :) ).

First of all i was at the semi-finals tonight and damn Teodosic is some mean shooter. Except for that i saw some Serbian members saying that the crowd was shit , im just saying HAHAHAHHA to that. We couldnt even hear our own voices from all the cheering and everything, it's very hard to find a more active crowd in world , maybe also in Greece.

Omer Asik got hit on the freaking EYE! What do you expect him to do? Plus Ender who got in instead of him just hit 1 of the freethrows,not like he made both and the game ended. Serbia had many chances especially 3 pointers at the end of the game but couldnt use it , you guys were the only team that made our hearts go 50 times faster than normal first time this tournament. Was a great game,probably the best game so far in tournament along with Serbia-Spain game.

I dont really think we are gonna beat USA but still its gonna be one hell of a game and we are gonna enjoy it :)

Btw to a Greek member from the last thread who said the tournament was a set-up for Turkey-USA final, was it also a setup when referees gave us no fouls whatsoever at Turkey-Greece match yet we still won by a laaaaargeee margin?

[mvblair]

please do not post anything about final game,this thread lost its point. Good call, SI.

Some of you people are really destroying this forum tonight. How disappointing.

[kizilelma]

The other thread was locked and I believe it was right. But I really wonder what would happen with a poll. The other thread didnt have a poll.
Lets see whats gonna happen this time but pleeeeeeeease make decent comments without racism and be nice...

[UMUT_FB_LAL]

Well what's gonna happen is that everybody that isn't a Turk will vote for USA.. And most of them for not even sport related reasons

[DarkoMVP]

I'm sure FIBA Europe will vote for Turkey, since it's fixed :)

[kizilelma]

Well what's gonna happen is that everybody that isn't a Turk will vote for USA.. And most of them for not even sport related reasons

Come on guys, everyone can vote for what they beleive. No politics here...

[Boki Nachbar]

I'm sure FIBA Europe will vote for Turkey, since it's fixed :)

hahaha, thats right, refs were always with turkey, huh? :D

i highly recommend you to watch the game vs. greece, see carl jungebrand's decisions. however, we won it like all the others.:rolleyes:


well, people will vote for usa, of course, as i did.:)

[Dtown]

from the other thread...

Game is going to be epic. The young US squad is going to have to keep their cool, and weather an early storm from the Turks.

The crowd is going to be the most hostile a US team has faced in years, going to have to expect some home cooking from the refs as well.

Keys to win.

Weather the initial storm of emotion.
Keep a level head.
Take the crowd out of the game.
Pressure D, Pressure D, Pressure D.

It's going to be close, even without the other intangibles Turkey is playing pretty damn good ball. Throw in everything else and anything can happen.

USA by 2, Durant gets the game winning shot.

GO USA!

[chenacinerba]

Well what's gonna happen is that everybody that isn't a Turk will vote for USA.. And most of them for not even sport related reasons

Not everybody. :)

It will be hard to beat US but I'm not losing hope. :)

Get your crowd go wild every time US would handle the ball. :D

Anyways, I'm hoping for another GREAT match. Hope the Turks will give the US a hard time. :cool:

Finally a new thread. :D

[ip84]

2HYnmI4h5Fo
(put it also here as the topic of the game is closed :/)

[Mert Gökçeimam]

Both team has advantages and disadvantages.

USA's advantage is Kevin Durant and the great athleticism all the players have. Their defense is also very good and they are the best team who penalize opponents mistakes.

Turkey is great on 2-1-2 zone and they have huge size advantage.

The key point is going to be how Turkey handles the ball while they are on offense. If they try to play a similar way against Serbia , USA can win with a huge margin. If Kerem , Ender and Hidayet handles the ball well and instead of one to one forcing they choose to play team game like they did against Slovenia , Turkey will surely have a great advantage.

Turkey already accomplished way more then what we expected and they will have no stress on their shoulder because before tournament we were saying quarter finals would be a huge success. However USA team will have huge stress as USA can't win World Championship for a long time and everyone expect them to win this year. Also they will play against a very fanatic crowd.

In any condition i hope we will have chance to watch a great game. Wish luck to both teams and may the best win.

[kalathis]

About the crowd...
I tell you I was expecting a huge booing when the Greek anthem was playing by the turkish crowd. And I was standing there like an idiot in front of the TV when I was hearing... absolut quit and respect...
I rubbed my eyes (although it should have been my ears :D) by this very sportmanlike behavior. Made me feel good and hope for a good, fair game in a civil atmosphaire.
Turkish crowd in Ankara did NOTHING out of sportmanship, they were gentlemen. They shouted like crazy, singing for their team, shouting shouting shouting... All within the rules.
It was hell but a perfectly sportmanlike hell.

How we responded was our mistake. We tried (at least at first) to respond in the same civil fashion but the mistake is we did it ON COURT!
It's ok for our fans to respond politely (it is obligatory) but not for our team.
That's the way we lost, I think, because we were not "rude" (in an athletic way).
Then I think the crowd influenced us, we let that happen exactly because we wanted to play polite/civil maybe in responce to the Turkish initial paradigm.
So we lost the "killing edge" so to say.
The US team needs to focus and let the crowd completely out. I think this is going to be easier because some emotional elements will be missing in this duo.
However, I do not put it past the Turkish team to win. USA is of course the favorite. We will see.

[CKR13]

I'm glad our Team has come this far. On the first quarter, Team USA must play aggressive on both ends of the floor and as much as possible limit costly mistakes. Use the full-court pressure and disrupt Turkey's guards to impede the Turkish offense. As much as possible convert points off turnovers of the opposition.

If Team USA takes a significant lead heading into the second half, this will take the crowd out of the game and keep emotions in check for the rest of the game. A really true test for the young members of Team USA. This is where Odom and Billups' leadership are most needed.

[FBNYC]

The US has to come with the same type of intensity as they did with Lithuania to be able to win the game. They have make Turkey to get out of their shell and play US style with their pressure D.

Then again Turkey is a perfect opponent against the US with their size, zone and ability to shoot the 3 ball. For Turkey to win though they need to have good ball control, shot selection, bend but don't break defense.

[mvblair]

respect Same here, man. I hope we can continue talking about basketball now. :D :D

I'm really looking forward to enjoying a tough game tomorrow. Both teams have great weapons.

Turkey has some great athletes, one of the smartest forwards on the planet (talking about Turkoglu...who wasn't too smart in the NBA last year, but is looking great this summer), and some incredible three-point shooters. They can also give different defensive looks, which will cause Team USA to make some ill-advised outside shots.

Team USA has great athletes, Durant, and some very quick defensive feet. Team USA could not shoot the basket into the Bosphorus Strait, but they are fast. They can get easy points from lay-ups.

Turkey also has the benefit of being on a home court. Home court in basketball is important.

But you know what? If Turkey loses, they have still accomplished a dream. At the very least, they are the Silver Medalists of the World Championship on their home soil. No team has gotten a medal at home since 1970, when Yugoslavia did it, riding the enormous back of Kresimir Cosic.

Turkish basketball fans can be proud of that. They've announced their future in basketball. The world has noticed.

Predictions? Hmm. I think Team USA will win by 10 points. Team USA will get an early lead and keep that lead, but they will not be able to increase the point margin. It's going to be tough.

As Kyosphere said, respect to everyone!! Let's have a good game!!

[UMUT_FB_LAL]

I think that the Turkish players will play with a whole lot less pressure on their shoulders than they did today...

Even if we lose this tournament has been EXCELLENT for us...

Besides I think we knocked out the best team (except us obv, lol) out of the tournament while having our worst game yet!!! Things can only get better!

If we play our own game like we've done against Slovenia we have a very good chance of winning this

Durant will get his points and he may, but if we can stop the other guys we might add another fairy tale to our sports history!!

Can hardly wait! Let's goooooo!!

[chenacinerba]

Let's spread some lovin' people. Stop the hate. :)

[Mert Gökçeimam]

Looks like this will be the main thread for final. Let me copy my post from other thread :


Both team has advantages and disadvantages.

USA's advantage is Kevin Durant and the great athleticism all the players have. Their defense is also very good and they are the best team who penalize opponents mistakes.

Turkey is great on 2-1-2 zone and they have huge size advantage.

The key point is going to be how Turkey handles the ball while they are on offense. If they try to play a similar way against Serbia , USA can win with a huge margin. If Kerem , Ender and Hidayet handles the ball well and instead of one to one forcing they choose to play team game like they did against Slovenia , Turkey will surely have a great advantage.

Turkey already accomplished way more then what we expected and they will have no stress on their shoulder because before tournament we were saying quarter finals would be a huge success. However USA team will have huge stress as USA can't win World Championship for a long time and everyone expect them to win this year. Also they will play against a very fanatic crowd.

In any condition i hope we will have chance to watch a great game. Wish luck to both teams and may the best win.

[BBallfanJ]

The ultimate hostile environment for the U.S. Virtually the whole arena cheering for Turkey. Plenty of people in Turkey don't like the U.S. Finally, the Turkish team is on the roll of a lifetime. It should be a close game, but somehow I think the U.S. will pull it out.
Whatever happens it should be fun to watch and kudos to Turkey for assuring themselves their first medal on the world stage.

[kizilelma]

Everybody says that Turkey can make ie if they play zone defence but i partly disagree with that. First half we shoul play zone defence and if we can do +5 in the first half, we can switch to man-to-man defence in the second half and try to stop Kevin Durant. That is how we can make it :)

[UMUT_FB_LAL]

The ultimate hostile environment for the U.S. Virtually the whole arena cheering for Turkey. Plenty of people in Turkey don't like the U.S. Finally, the Turkish team is on the roll of a lifetime. It should be a close game, but somehow I think the U.S. will pull it out.
Whatever happens it should be fun to watch and kudos to Turkey for assuring themselves their first medal on the world stage.

We don't have anti-US sentiments in the least bit ;)
We will tonight tho ;)

[DelijaZauvjek]

To be honest, I don't see how Turkey can win this match.

Even if Serbia had gone through it would have been the same result.

USA is just too good. It's crazy to think that they don't even have their best players at this tournament. 2012 Olympics will be crazy :eek:

[DelijaZauvjek]

Too much hate against Turkey in this forum especially from Greek and Serbian members (ironic that we beat both of them :) ).

First of all i was at the semi-finals tonight and damn Teodosic is some mean shooter. Except for that i saw some Serbian members saying that the crowd was shit , im just saying HAHAHAHHA to that. We couldnt even hear our own voices from all the cheering and everything, it's very hard to find a more active crowd in world , maybe also in Greece.

Omer Asik got hit on the freaking EYE! What do you expect him to do? Plus Ender who got in instead of him just hit 1 of the freethrows,not like he made both and the game ended. Serbia had many chances especially 3 pointers at the end of the game but couldnt use it , you guys were the only team that made our hearts go 50 times faster than normal first time this tournament. Was a great game,probably the best game so far in tournament along with Serbia-Spain game.

I dont really think we are gonna beat USA but still its gonna be one hell of a game and we are gonna enjoy it :)

Btw to a Greek member from the last thread who said the tournament was a set-up for Turkey-USA final, was it also a setup when referees gave us no fouls whatsoever at Turkey-Greece match yet we still won by a laaaaargeee margin?

There is hatred from both sides. It's really uncalled for and most of the posters on this forum are a bunch of teenagers. It's really sad and they're being horrible ambassadors for their country.

The atmosphere tonight was excellent! However, the tournament as a whole was poor attendance besides the Turkey games.

Yes, Asik was hit in the eye but he over-exaggerated. The NBATV American commentator said that he saw Asik hidden under the towel laughing because he didn't have to shoot the free-throws. Also, that one free-throw made a huge difference as it would have most likely been overtime unless you shot and made a three at the end of the game. Nonetheless, it's pointless to talk about it as every team flops and fakes calls, some better than others. It's cheap but that's the game and it's the refs fault for not recognizing this not the players fault.

Good luck against USA. Hopefully you put up the same fight you did against us :)

[L8DBACK]

Both team has advantages and disadvantages.

USA's advantage is Kevin Durant and the great athleticism all the players have. Their defense is also very good and they are the best team who penalize opponents mistakes.

Turkey is great on 2-1-2 zone and they have huge size advantage.

The key point is going to be how Turkey handles the ball while they are on offense. If they try to play a similar way against Serbia , USA can win with a huge margin. If Kerem , Ender and Hidayet handles the ball well and instead of one to one forcing they choose to play team game like they did against Slovenia , Turkey will surely have a great advantage.

Turkey already accomplished way more then what we expected and they will have no stress on their shoulder because before tournament we were saying quarter finals would be a huge success. However USA team will have huge stress as USA can't win World Championship for a long time and everyone expect them to win this year. Also they will play against a very fanatic crowd.

In any condition i hope we will have chance to watch a great game. Wish luck to both teams and may the best win.

I would have to disagree with you. Not winning a World championship for a long time is not a reason to be stressed out. When the names of the players for USA were announced majority of the people here in the US and even abroad said they were too young, inexperienced, have been playing together in a short time, too small of a team and would not adapt to FIBA rules of international basketball. Everyone already assumed they would not get through the quarter finals. Just like I've said before, the pressure will definitely be on the Turks to win in their home court. This is the first for Turkey to be in the finals of the WC. Will they be able to handle this magnitude of a game against the USA? But this I will say this, the USA will definitely play their hearts out and bring their A game on championship day.
If by half time the US leads by more than 10 points, then it will be an uphill battle for Turkey to win the Gold. GO FOR BROKE! GO USA!

[L8DBACK]

About the crowd...
I tell you I was expecting a huge booing when the Greek anthem was playing by the turkish crowd. And I was standing there like an idiot in front of the TV when I was hearing... absolut quit and respect...
I rubbed my eyes (although it should have been my ears :D) by this very sportmanlike behavior. Made me feel good and hope for a good, fair game in a civil atmosphaire.
Turkish crowd in Ankara did NOTHING out of sportmanship, they were gentlemen. They shouted like crazy, singing for their team, shouting shouting shouting... All within the rules.
It was hell but a perfectly sportmanlike hell.

How we responded was our mistake. We tried (at least at first) to respond in the same civil fashion but the mistake is we did it ON COURT!
It's ok for our fans to respond politely (it is obligatory) but not for our team.
That's the way we lost, I think, because we were not "rude" (in an athletic way).
Then I think the crowd influenced us, we let that happen exactly because we wanted to play polite/civil maybe in responce to the Turkish initial paradigm.
So we lost the "killing edge" so to say.
The US team needs to focus and let the crowd completely out. I think this is going to be easier because some emotional elements will be missing in this duo.
However, I do not put it past the Turkish team to win. USA is of course the favorite. We will see.

Coach K already knows this and the USA Team will not have this affect their game. The way you silent the home crowd is to have a big lead at the end of half time. USA have a great and experienced coaching staff guiding them to make this happen.:D

[Saskibaloia]

It doesn't get any better than this: The Best Team vs The Host Team.

I'm hoping that the Turkish Lads can do a near impossible and use the support of their fanst to win their first every Basketball World Championship.

I'm sure it will be very tough for them as they are taking on The Best Team thus far in this tournament and the squad with the most depth.

However, as we all know, in basketball and in many major sporting events around the globe anything can happen.

The Americans will not only take on a very talented and experienced European squad but also take on a very, very hostile crowd that will keep on cheering on their boyz until the final whistle.

I'm predicting that the Turkish squad finishes with a 5 point win over Team USA and shock the basketball world.

[Boghra]

In my humble and not much trustworthy opinion ( I made so many false predictions so far, looks like I don't know too much about basketball at all :D ) if we play as we played in Slovenia game we have a good chance but if we play as we played in Serbia game we're gonna lose bad.

[Phantim3dx]

USA is %70 favourite.I predict USA by 10+ difference.

are you serious? i would like to know what betting agency has been taking crazy pills for the spread to be 70% in favor of usa

[Keisukehonda]

There is hatred from both sides. It's really uncalled for and most of the posters on this forum are a bunch of teenagers. It's really sad and they're being horrible ambassadors for their country.

The atmosphere tonight was excellent! However, the tournament as a whole was poor attendance besides the Turkey games.

Yes, Asik was hit in the eye but he over-exaggerated. The NBATV American commentator said that he saw Asik hidden under the towel laughing because he didn't have to shoot the free-throws. Also, that one free-throw made a huge difference as it would have most likely been overtime unless you shot and made a three at the end of the game. Nonetheless, it's pointless to talk about it as every team flops and fakes calls, some better than others. It's cheap but that's the game and it's the refs fault for not recognizing this not the players fault.

Good luck against USA. Hopefully you put up the same fight you did against us :)

Yeah i do see some Turkish people joining the forum to defend Turkey naturally after all the whining that took place, althought its normal. The loser will always try to find a reason for their defeat , if it was us we would have done probably the same thing.

Dunno, i really dont think Asik going off made that much of a difference since he could have done the same by shooting 1 out of 2 just like he did for the whole game.

Btw i wrote in your attendance thread about the situation , it's indeed really low attendance and that kinda ruins the mood of the tournament.

[baldur]

hahaha serbian and greek friends talking about ref's help to the turkish nt? hahahahaha i'm laughing these arguments loudly. in which sports refs helping to us teams, and sportsmen? these your arguments just are funny. oh maybe we beated both of you in this tournament, so you say somethings like that because of this. young serbian friends look at these match and see how can refs helps to a team. a team is=serbia/yugoslavia.

2 july 1995 lithuania-serbia eurobasket final match
8 september 2002 argentina-serbia world championship final match

and greek friends; carl jungebrand is really finnish? or he is also greece citizen?

[Mr. Aster]

Turkey vs. Serbia thread was a nice one to to study the sociological differences between Western Europe and Southeastern Europe.

Incredible level of racism...
Disgusting comments...
So many people interested in ethnicity of players...

I expect high participation from the same group for this topic too. :D

Yeah, racism is bad thing. It kills basketball and fairplay.

[AlYuson]

Well, as much as i love Turkey to win their historic 1st ever gold medal in FIBA world basketball championship..there's no way the 12 giant men could pull a monumental upset over NBA led semi-stars team USA with monster kevin durant has been proven to be unstoppable.

[hot_sauce23]

Hmm, interesting game it will be for sure. I'm waiting for this game to see, which team, those three fags, called refs, will blow their whistles for.

[iskoch]

Its really funny to see Greeks and Serbians are complaining about referees. Two countries which are always supported by the refs. :)

The Serbians... Do you remember the final 2002 or already forgot how the refs stole gold medal from Argentina and gave to Yugoslavia?

And the Greeks... :) You also forgot quarter final match of the Eurobasket 2009? Do you think that Turkish team got more efficient support from the refs yesterday than the Greeks got last year?

Even we don't have to go to the last year. Just remember our group match. It was just 10 days ago. Or already forgot the decisions given?

I can write here thousands of examples here from the FIBA and ULEB competitions but you know better than me if you want to remember.


And yesterday? How many controversial decisions you can show? Just Ömer Aşık? If just that one, watch the replay. Easy to see that it was not a fake...

[keturidu]

What's the strong side of Turkish team?

They are in the finals at home.
They won't play with one center (it was a heroic battle for Javtokas in Lithuania - USA semi-finals (actually everybody "forgot" that he never was a superstar center even in Europe) to withstand athletic USA Odom and co. He could never do that by any chances alone.). Turkish team has one of the best inside players in whole tournament, so it would be much easier to defend against USA players.
Turkish players are much more experienced than Kevin Durant and co.

Experience + 15000 fans + depth inside = Turkey will win this game.

[SouL InvictuS]

Well maybe some of our non USA members cant remember this word when its been used 2 years ago.

Sometimes You Have To Fake It To Make It.

Do you remember when Paul Pierce injured in Lakers final series and went to the locker room and turned back from there on a bicycle. :D

shit happens man. lets all get over it and focus on todays games.

-------------------------------------------------------

Serbia has the most threatening defense against Turkey but USA has better. Their man to man defense will make things so hard for Turks.

But also Turks have best zone defense in this tournament and we all know Americans can't attack to zone easily.

We can see some low scoring game like USA vs Lietuva back in 2000 Australia.

If Turks try too many long shots like Lietuva did Americans will easily destroy them but if they try to plan inside and use 24 sec very effective they will have a chance to get gold.

[robbe]

And yesterday? How many controversial decisions you can show? Just Ömer Aşık? If just that one, watch the replay. Easy to see that it was not a fake...
I can give you two horrible decisions from the last 30 seconds alone, but it's pointless. Some Turkish users admitted to being favoured by the refs. If you don't want to see it, it's your thing.

Turkey deserves going far in this tournament. But in that last game, they got very lucky.

[eastman]

I don't understand people complaining about referees, did they have any big impact on the match really? And about Omer Asik issue, even this was a fake injury, its no different for me what Serbian players did to him during the match which is basically make him send to the free throw line knowing he cannot score. At the end Ender scored only 1 of them.

[Deschain]

I think Turkey has a great chance at the gold. After the SRB-TUR match s,till the storm isn't calmed and people's judgement are clouded.

Turkey have great and dominant bigs while the USA team don't have any efficient centers(besides Kevin Love who doesn't get any memorable minutes)


Zone defense should work well against the americans,

from the US side, they have the most talented and athletic team in the tournament, and they'll want to use this to their advantage. And this is where Turkey's edge shows up. Turkey play as a team , and if you don't play as a team against them , doesn't matter how talented and great you are , you can't win.

I expect a close game , and if our players don't overestimate the USA team , they have the required chance to win.

About the other contributing factors; (psychology etc.) USA might have that pressure most people talked about. It's always an obstacle and stress when your aim is the top place. On the other hand Turkey have exceeded expectations , and this is a great relief.

I've been good at the predictions for this tournament , and watched every game possible. Childish thoughts and hatred won't prevent Turkey or USA from playing well.


P.S : There's no way to stop Kevin Durant , you can only slow him down.

[baldur]

I don't understand people complaining about referees, did they have any big impact on the match really? And about Omer Asik issue, even this was a fake injury, its no different for me what Serbian players did to him during the match which is basically make him send to the free throw line knowing he cannot score. At the end Ender scored only 1 of them.

oh yeah, you are right, look at in that faul position milos teodosic. how he is hungry to stop ömer aşık with a foul. if refs wanted to help us, they called a flagrant foul? didn't they? calm down serbian friends, ömer aşık not performed an acting, watch over the position again and again. if ömer aşık's position fake and you say its not fair play, how can you explain your own players wanting to send ömer aşık to the freethrow when ömer aşık got the ball in all positions during the match?

[AlYuson]

I can give you two horrible decisions from the last 30 seconds alone, but it's pointless. Some Turkish users admitted to being favoured by the refs. If you don't want to see it, it's your thing.

Turkey deserves going far in this tournament. But in that last game, they got very lucky.

People should expect fiba referees to be on team Turkey's side at some game situation. They were in home territory so its a human thing refs..will take sides at some point. It happens everywhere.

Team USA should not let Turkey to put the game in a tight contest, that would make the americans in a disadvantage situation and you know why :rolleyes:

[marc333]

USA will win and Kevin Durant MVP

[Adon]

Congrats to Turkish team, I was supporting our neighbors all the way after the failure of Greek team. I'm really glad for you guys,just try not to get too cocky;)

Many Greeks are true haters,perhaps they feel "patriotic" or perhaps they put some money on the wrong team (Serbia). Boring behavior.What do you have to say about our gold in 1987? Would we have won if we were not the hosts?

Personally speaking,Turkey vs USA is the final game I wanted to see. Turkey is the underdog but they have nothing to loose.In the worst case scenario,a silver medal is a great success.

Good luck Turkey,defend well Europe's bb pride against Americans tonight.

Soul Invictus,a pseudo-neutral (Greek hater) fake Japanese,afraid to reveal his true ethnicity.And a very annoying avatar also.Hmmm!Interesting !

[buzz]

well turkey played against a good team yesterday and lost...ok won but it was a combination of a turkish fair play(asik rules)and bad refs calls...turkey have played good against mediocre teams now that (little)usa faces them it is obviously difficult to win..although usa against russia was awful and that gives hopes...so who knows?

[buzz]

Many Greeks are true haters,perhaps they feel "patriotic" or perhaps they put some money on the wrong team (Serbia). Boring behavior.What do you have to say about our gold in 1987? Would we have won if we were not the hosts?
well we face ussr(included sabonis) on 1989 and won again...a silver medal is not so bad(especially when you have to play against two super powers)


Personally speaking,Turkey vs USA is the final game I wanted to see. Turkey is the underdog but they have nothing to loose.In the worst case scenario,a silver medal is a great success.
i agree

[Phantim3dx]

What's the strong side of Turkish team?

They are in the finals at home.
They won't play with one center (it was a heroic battle for Javtokas in Lithuania - USA semi-finals (actually everybody "forgot" that he never was a superstar center even in Europe) to withstand athletic USA Odom and co. He could never do that by any chances alone.). Turkish team has one of the best inside players in whole tournament, so it would be much easier to defend against USA players.
Turkish players are much more experienced than Kevin Durant and co.

Experience + 15000 fans + depth inside = Turkey will win this game.


dude seriously never put athleticism and odom together it does not match..now javtokas and athleticism can fit but the only thing odom is, is a fruitcake..seriously odom should not be the center. it should be chandler

[baldur]

well turkey played against a good team yesterday and lost...ok won but it was a combination of a turkish fair play(asik rules)and bad refs calls...turkey have played good against mediocre teams now that (little)usa faces them it is obviously difficult to win..although usa against russia was awful and that gives hopes...so who knows?

nevermind my friend, always refs have to help to serbia team? is this a fiba rule?

[totip]

Just a little question here! If Turkey wins the whole thing, does that means that there will have less qualified teams in the next European championships for London in 2012 since Turkey will be qualified?

[volkan_hto]

Since the thread about Turkey vs Serbia was locked I would like to send here my congratulations to our Turkish friends for their great victory last night and a huge bravo to our Serbian brothers who have the most promising team in the tournament. In my books you are the best European team and you lost the match only because you were playing in Turkey. Congrats to both of you about the amazing match. It is one of the best semi-finals. Also my ironic "congrats" to all those who were responsible for the semi's thread lock. Nice guys, let's become racists for a fucking basketball match.

Anyways about the final, USA is clearly the favorite. It's not only that they are the best team in the world but Turkey will probably feel mentally exhausted after that huge victory against Serbia. Kinda like what Greece were in the previous WC final after our amazing victory against USA. At least Turkey has their crowd on their side and that may awake them and give them some passion.

70%-30% for USA in my opinion. Good luck to both of the teams.

Thank you for being objective:)

And watch the youtube video that in page 3 turkey played fairly in defence you will see that.Because Turkey played zone defence it looked like kickboxing. And in 2.40 the Serbian player that gets the foul tries a fake foul look carefully. And Ömer Aşık is going to play in NBA this year watch him.

[buzz]

nevermind my friend, always refs have to help to serbia team? is this a fiba rule?

i think you are talking basically about yugoslavia not serbia...:)

[Kevin38]

I have got the USA by 10+ in this game even if Durrant doesnt have a big game but I believe he will. They will start out slow as usual and maybe even fall behind for a while b/4 hitting their stride and pulling away mid way through the 3rd.....

[kaiziken_pinas]

Usa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bury Please]

USA BY 50. Turkey is weaker then greece, serbia and russia.But they made the finals because of home advantage.

[baldur]

USA BY 50. Turkey is weaker then greece, serbia and russia.But they made the finals because of home advantage.

hahaha a comment from a country that knows nothing about basketball. we beated slovenia by 30, france by 20 and greece by 20. and still we are weaker?

[iskoch]

USA BY 50. Turkey is weaker then greece, serbia and russia.But they made the finals because of home advantage.

Just by 50? :rolleyes:

By the way! Not even final, look when the host team got medal in WC last time.

[IAmPersian]

Usa with +20 win :)

[hoover]

I'm not gonna say anything about your senseless comments, you'll get the best answer from 12 Giant Men. Indeed USA is more likely to win but posting things like USA by 50 obviously shows that either you haven't watched a single match of Turkey in this tournament or the hatred about Turkey makes you say that.

[maxiturco]

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7503/turvsusa.jpg

Our European zonal defense will be a nightmare for USA dream team B...:):)

[DelijaZauvjek]

Why are there so many posts about which team will win by how many points EX: "USA Will win 20+"

Like come on? I thought the whole point of a basketball forum is to talk about tactics, injuries, player performances, etc. Not making estimated guess' as if you were Nostradamus himself.

If you say Turkey will win explain why they will win. Explain who needs to have a big game in order to win the game. Tactics wise. What type of defense they need to play. How will they stop USA's fastbreaks. Who should start the game. ETC.

Same applies to the US.

[flyinturk]

We deserved to be here,and hope to enjoy the game beginning to end. 12 giant hearts will do it !
http://www.sporx.com/img/1/2010-2/millibasketbol_hazirlik.jpg
Boja sends coachK home tonight:p

[Efesdxb]

Good luck to Turkey for tonight's final against USA. We have to keep the pressure on defence. I have hope that Turkey can win. But it is really hard. If we win I think I will go mad...

[tarek wehbe]

"bury please" shut the f*** up we as lebanese should support turkey, they are a great team and other reasons u know , and for the haters who say turkey is winnig because of the refs i say any team that allows a game winning layup with 4 secs to go should be banned from playin basketball , not just lose. go turkiye!!!!!!!:)

[Adon]

Without Durant USA would be the underdog tonight.
Can he carry his team on his shoulders for one more game?
The Turkish zone will "put a spoke on American's wheel" imo and only 3p shooting from Durant can save the day for USA.

I'm afraid that refs will be rather hostile against Turkey tonight to overcompensate for last night's slight favoritism.

I have no doubt that this game will be the hardest test for both teams,esp for USA who had a rather easy course to the finals. Both teams were somewhat underestimated at the preparation games but they proved how ignorant are so many bb experts.

Respect!

[whocare]

i think Turkey will win because they play well and PLAY AT HOME. thats enough

[Linktothepast]

Every team that gave a big match till now in the tournament and won, lost their next one. Argentina won Brazil to lose by Lithuania, Lithuania won Argentina to lose by USA, Spain beat Greece to lose to Serbia, Serbia wins Spain and lose to Turkey....

So i would say that Turkey today after their last match will lose. Still i hope they prove me wrong and change the prognostics making this a completely unpredictable tournament. :)

[whocare]

Everyone here should know that as Host (can)should get the help from ref or ref help host more or less. it is normal already. i think it is ok.

[whocare]

Every team that gave a big match till now in the tournament and won, lost their next one. Argentina won Brazil to lose by Lithuania, Lithuania won Argentina to lose by USA, Spain beat Greece to lose to Serbia, Serbia wins Spain and lose to Turkey....

So i would say that Turkey today after their last match will lose. Still i hope they prove me wrong and change the prognostics making this a completely unpredictable tournament. :)


a big match?? en? usa won Lithuania and will lose....:D

[mvblair]

USA's advantage is Kevin Durant and the great athleticism all the players have. Their defense is also very good and they are the best team who penalize opponents mistakes. I like the way you put it: Team USA can "penalize opponents mistakes." I think this was clear in the Lithuania/USA game. When Lithuania made a mistake with ball-handling, USA scored. It was mostly fastbreaks.
Turkey is great on 2-1-2 zone and they have huge size advantage. I thought Lithuania used this zone pretty well, actually. When they had a tight zone, Lithuania kept USA from getting rebounds and put-backs. Of course, when they used this zone, they also had Javtokas on the floor, so....

The key point is going to be how Turkey handles the ball while they are on offense. If they try to play a similar way against Serbia , USA can win with a huge margin. If Kerem , Ender and Hidayet handles the ball well and instead of one to one forcing they choose to play team game like they did against Slovenia , Turkey will surely have a great advantage. I think you're right. I was so impressed with Team USA's defense yesterday. They moved so well on their feet sideways. Because of that, I don't think Turkey can plan on "pushing the ball" with the dribble. They'll need very crisp passing.

Truthfully, the best part about USA's defense against Lithuania was their man-to-man defense. USA's guards were so quick. But when Lithuania was able to get the ball inside to the paint, USA was helpless. Can Turkey do that today? Big question.


In any condition i hope we will have chance to watch a great game. Wish luck to both teams and may the best win. That's all I want. A good game. No blow-outs, no bad refereeing, no whining. I just want a good game. :D

[khaledlebanon]

Turkey!

[dimentica]

For the first time, I hope USA wins it. After such a disgraceful officiating today, I can not support Turkey. Seems like, Fiba's shameful dream of final was fulfilled..
I hope Asik will get a real punch, will not need to fake this time.

are you sure you are lithuanian, not serbian :D :D :D

[Nerraw0384]

U S A!

Bring in the Aircraftcarrier. LOL

[busy]

Usa +10

[wardjdim]

I go with Turkey, of course. It is a more polished team offensively, has a wider arsenal and players that can be more threatening in the international basketball. Asik and Erden will be extremely key in the paint. In defense, the US team has an advantage in the perimeter, although the Turkish defense has been solid and is pressing in more areas of the court

This is a non-deserving final, though. Judging by their basketball performances in the tournament, most likely none of these teams belongs to this match. Yes, the Turkish squad has been demolishing their group opponents, but they had a very easy way to the semi-final, beating convincingly only the terrorized Slovenians. In the Semis, everyone has seen that the arguably better team of this tournament didn't win because of the referees and a defensive mistake at the end. Besides being the best team of this tournament and a part of four consecutive last second dramas, Serbia is playing earlier in the 3rd place match

As for the US team, it is really a one-man joke. Of course, I love Durant. He is so amazingly special, but let's be honest.. In order to get to the final, they had to play against every team with a 70%+ officiating, NBA rules, literally hitting their opponents and not getting fouls, the Brazilians not using Anderson Varejao, while he was fit and then, the most scandalously easy knock out opponents. This is luck and this is also non-deserved value. They never played Spain, Serbia, Greece, Argentina and their first challenge is coming in the final

Well, no matter how much I hate the fact that Serbia is not in the final, I will root for their yesterday's opponents. They have the tools, the can beat them. All they need is to start with energy from the 1st second of the game. They celebrated yesterday's semi-final as if it was the final and I don't blame them because they did beat the best team of the tournament in the knock out stage. They just have to show the same character once again to save basketball history fom this US team being The Least Deserved Champion of all time

Good luck Turkey! Good luck 15 Giants ;)

[busy]

Congrats to Turkey because of their strong team .They are the best European team now.

[ttkarma]

Americans face difficult challenge as Turkey thinks upset

Posted Sep 11 2010 8:44PM
ISTANBUL -- The United States National Team has passed every test on its way to Sunday's gold medal game (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) of the 2010 FIBA World Championship. But the test they will face against hosts Turkey on Sunday will certainly be the most difficult of all, because they will be playing in an environment unlike anything most of them have ever experienced.
The 15,000 people who pack the Sinan Erdem Dome on Sunday will be the most hostile crowd most of these players, with the exception of maybe Chauncey Billups and Lamar Odom, have ever seen. They will be waving their Turkish flags, singing all night long, and whistling every second the U.S. has the ball.
And the Americans will be facing a lot more than the crowd on Sunday. Turkey is better than any team they've faced thus far in the World Championship, ranking third offensively (117.9 points scored per 100 possessions) and second defensively (91.8 points allowed per 100 possessions).
Turkey is the best 3-point shooting team in the tournament, connecting on 43 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc. And they force more turnovers (21.9 per 100 possessions) than the Americans do.
Turkey will mix up its defenses, but the U.S. will likely see a lot of its vaunted 2-1-2 zone that extends past the mid-court line and is so strong because of its length. Turkey has a big and athletic frontline, and will sometimes use a lineup with four players 6-foot-10 or taller.
Size has been the U.S. Team's biggest concern since they lost four big men early in training camp. But thus far, the Americans have made up for their lack of true big men with speed, athleticism, and as much chemistry as any team could have after just six weeks together.
With all 12 members of the 2008 Olympic team declining to participate this summer, this edition of USA Basketball has been labeled the "B Team." But they've already made it further in the World Championship than LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard did in 2006. And if they win on Sunday and earn an automatic bid to the 2012 Olympics, it's very possible that this squad will be just as represented as the 2008 team when the 2012 roster is put together.
This team came in to the World Championship small and inexperienced, but they've worked hard and have done everything head coach Mike Krzyzewski has asked of them.
"This group, we've said from Day 1, appeared to be a very low-maintenance group, and that's turned out to be true," USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Friday. "It's a terrific group of guys. They've really been close. So from a coaching standpoint, in terms of our staff, it's been a terrific group to work with."

There are no egos or individual agendas - just 12 guys in search of gold and the United States' first World Championship title since 1994. Only one active NBA player, Shaquille O'Neal, has won a World Championship for the U.S. And these guys know how special it would be to become Nos. 2 through 13.
"It's a great feeling [to play for the gold medal]," Rudy Gay said Saturday. "We have the chance to make history."
The formula for success was established early and the U.S. has followed it to a perfect 8-0 mark in Istanbul thus far. They've been the best offensive team in the tournament through Saturday, but their success really starts with their defense.
"It's the most aggressive defense in this competition," Lithuanian coach Kestutis Kemzura said after his team's 89-74 loss to the U.S. in Saturday's semifinal. The U.S. forced Lithuania into 14 turnovers on Saturday and had countless additional deflections. And a key against Turkey will be to turn turnovers into transition baskets.
The U.S. has played at the fastest pace in the competition, while Turkey has played at the fifth slowest. And if the Americans can get out and run, they won't allow that Turkey zone to get set up.
The U.S. and Turkey have been the two most dominant teams in the tournament, and this matchup was seemingly made in basketball heaven. For Turkey, it would be a tremendous boost for both national pride and its basketball program.
A U.S. loss on Sunday would render the previous six weeks meaningless in the minds of many. And it would also bring the prospect of having to qualify for the 2012 Olympics at the FIBA Americas tournament next summer in Argentina, possibly without NBA players if there is a labor dispute.
A win would be a statement that the United States has more than just the best basketball talent in the world. It has players that are willing to sacrifice their time and their individual basketball talents for the good of their team and their country.
For these 12 players, it's an opportunity to establish their place in USA Basketball history. And to do it against the home team in what will be an incredible environment will be extra special. For each of them, even the two with NBA titles, it will be an experience they'll cherish forever.


I believe it is going to be a close game. odds are %35 Turkey, %65 Usa. In anyway it is going to be very much fun for me to watch this game.

[Phantim3dx]

wardjim,

well, hey the usa might have not faced the toughest opponents in the tournament, but who has to face the toughest to get into the final? i think majority of teams wouldnt want to be in the group of death, peak early and then wash out at the end. for most countries jsut being in the final is good enoguh and if it means they cruised thru it then tell fiba to change the system of how they draw teams into groups; usa doesnt have to prove itself everytime by facing the toughest opponents from group play to the finals. just get over the hump is enough. get into the finals and hopefully the other team had a tougher hump to get over and that they are weary fom tough competition.

it's like this in NCAA competition. I for one am a fan of Syracuse University basketball team, and Big East..After it became a 16 team conference. it's arguably always the hardest, anybody can beat anybody any time, but by the end of the season they are all worn out and the big east teams can't continue to win in the college tournament. many big east fans and syracuse fans still say the are the strongest and whine and complain why they arent on top. since they're in the strongest and most difficult conference; its still not going to get them the final trophy at the end.

in all fairness though does it mean usa will have a cakewalk against turkey...i highly doubt it, usa is playing turkey, on turkish soil with 15,000 screaming fans, the players are inexperienced in bigtime situations with exception to billups and fruitcake odom. i still say a 50/50 split between these teams

[albiongate]

I consider Kevin Durant to be the current best basketball player in the world. His game fit perfectly in FIBA basketball and he is able to score whenever he wants. Even with the support of the domestic crowd and of the referees, Turkey won't be able to stop him.

[anonimus]

turkey have a great players..
nice final..of course I am sad cuz there is no Serbia..but,I will cheers 4 good basketball game.
If Turkey start game like against Slo(great zone defense,good % FG,rebounds,etc)..I think they will beat USA.

[solarfuse]

Hi, new member here. I've been following these forums for a while now since FIBA WC doesn't get much attention in NBA forums. Good luck Turkish fans!

About the whole referee situation.. it's only natural that Turkey plays at it's best in Turkey - it's "home court advantage" and it's proved by statistics that teams play better at home. The crowd can also affect the decisions of referees even if it is their job to ignore outside influences - they're only human. So even if a few calls go the home team's way, it should be expected. It's not some conspiracy theory.

Sadly, as an outside observer FIBA refs tend to be horribly inconsistent compared to NBA refs. In the NBA, a game may be called loose or tight, but it's generally very consistent for both teams. I think FIBA should continue to work to improve consistency of refereeing.

Anyway, both Turkey and USA deserve to be in the finals because they won their games - it's as simple as that. There's lots of comments that USA had an easy road to the finals. Maybe, but they earned it by winning all their games. How can they be faulted for this?

P.S. turkish fans, now you know what it's like to be a fan of USA basketball :) We always have to deal with this type of response to our games. It's always a lose-lose situation for USA basketball. If we win, we really lose (refs, rigged games, blah blah) and if we lose NBA loses all it's credibility. Anyway, good luck to both teams. Both are winners.

[L8DBACK]

It doesn't get any better than this: The Best Team vs The Host Team.

I'm hoping that the Turkish Lads can do a near impossible and use the support of their fanst to win their first every Basketball World Championship.

I'm sure it will be very tough for them as they are taking on The Best Team thus far in this tournament and the squad with the most depth.

However, as we all know, in basketball and in many major sporting events around the globe anything can happen.

The Americans will not only take on a very talented and experienced European squad but also take on a very, very hostile crowd that will keep on cheering on their boyz until the final whistle.

I'm predicting that the Turkish squad finishes with a 5 point win over Team USA and shock the basketball world.

Just like every other posters wishing for USA's demise is wishful thinking. This is the type of game USA feeds on. The key for Turkey is taking care of the ball. Even Turkoglu admitted: “We have to minimize mistakes because they (USA) are a good team on the open court." He also stated: "I know how they play, they are good on defense and that is why they will be here as well. We have to take care of the basketball.”

Durant knows it's going to be a rowdy atmosphere inside the Sinan Erdem Dome. "It’s going to be a tough environment," he said, "but we’ve been playing in those types of environments our whole careers. "Just about everybody here has been in the (NBA) play-offs and its going to be just like that."

USA will definitely tighten the screws on Turkey. Lamar Odom, says he and his teammates must turn it up a notch if they are going to meet their aim.
"We’re going to have to play better than we did tonight".

No team has been able to stop USA forward Kevin Durant, who had 38 points against Lithuania.

I believe it will be a great game. USA wins 10+ points.

GO FOR BROKE, GO USA!:D

[Dtown]

Can't watch the game live, but I'll definitely post my thoughts once I get to watch it.:)

[buzz]

hahaha a comment from a country that knows nothing about basketball. we beated slovenia by 30, france by 20 and greece by 20. and still we are weaker?
and serbia by 3:D
anyway i believe turkey didn't deserve to play at the final...
but anyway since the final is between turkey and u.s.a we have to notice that both teams haven't play yet against a truly good team(meaning spain,argentina or serbia) so i can't see a favourite
ok turkey faced serbia and practically lost but you got the point

[Bay Ekyqnc]

zone defence will play key role in that game for turkey.
like hedo said we have to minimize our mistakes and shouldn't allow them fastbreak points.
also % of 3 pts shooting must be better than we did last night.

i read our players' opinion today and they have already believed about winning the game. we have a big chance to win this game.

come on guys just one game left to reach the dream. go go go go go turkey

good luck for both sides.

[SouL InvictuS]

like hedo said we have to minimize our mistakes


lol :D

the biggest mistake for Turkey is Hedo in this tournament. He played well beyond the arc at early quarters but what the hell wrong with him in last min. Serbia were in penalty but he didnt try to make any lay up or close jump shot...

[Chigusa]

and serbia by 3:D
anyway i believe turkey didn't deserve to play at the final...
but anyway since the final is between turkey and u.s.a we have to notice that both teams haven't play yet against a truly good team(meaning spain,argentina or serbia) so i can't see a favourite
ok turkey faced serbia and practically lost but you got the point

haha how is Lithuanian team not good when they handle Spain & Argentina? I disagree friend

[mayteromanl]

Usa +40

[Bay Ekyqnc]

the biggest mistake for Turkey is Hedo in this tournament. He played well beyond the arc at early quarters but what the hell wrong with him in last min. Serbia were in penalty but he didnt try to make any lay up or close jump shot... you r definitely right on this point. i was really in mad mode. not just hedo, arslan also be in the same way. he never puts out the ball from his hands until last 7-8 seconds in 24 sec. lets see what will happen tonight? :)

[anonimus]

haha how is Lithuanian team not good when they handle Spain & Argentina? I disagree friend

they are the only of top European teams witch match to U,cuz they have only one center(like your team).
They are good & young team..BUT,I think that you would have more problems with teams like Spain,Serbia and Greece(i know U won in friendly game).
Of course,and Turkey have great players..but Asik,Erden and Savas did not class like Gasol/Vaskez,Krstic/Perovic,BabyShaq/Bourusis.
Lithuanians have only Javtokas.

[base2base]

to be honest,
turkey played a better game during last five minutes yesterday and beat us.
and i think they will beat usa today.

that is my guesstimation, though not my expectation :)

[SouL InvictuS]

they are the only of top European teams witch match to U,cuz they have only one center(like your team).
They are good & young team..BUT,I think that you would have more problems with teams like Spain,Serbia and Greece(i know U won in friendly game).
Of course,and Turkey have great players..but Asik,Erden and Savas did not class like Gasol/Vaskez,Krstic/Perovic,BabyShaq/Bourusis.
Lithuanians have only Javtokas.

except Savas,Erden and Asik are going to NBA this season,we will see what will happen them,will they rot in bench or become greater like Gasol,Krstic,Ginobili ( actually Manu was already great before the NBA :p )

Next year in Lithuania we ll see more powerful teams. And as i said before at Eurobasket 2009 ( couldnt find the post atm ) Serbian players were kid at that tournament and they are getting better every year. For next year they will be biggest candidate for the gold medal even Spaniards bring 2 Gasols instead of one. :D

[TurkishSuperiorBasket]

If we play like against Serbia, USA will crush us easily. If we play like against Greece or Slovenia, we will beat USA. Good luck Turkey!

[BBS]

Its such an incredible moment to be honest to be in the final of the WC and playing the last game against the USA from a Turkish point of view. In Turkey basketball is not really cared by the majority of the nation, i mean in fact if you take out the people who just watches but doesnt play or never played then there will be a tiny bit of people left on this vast country. So what i am trying to say is that, interest in Basketball is 100 times less then the football and an average person will not have a clue about the game except knowing that its played by hands and the aim is to throw it into the basket. And the Americans do it the best on the World!!! Seriously i hope other Turks here wont argue with me but if u ask the whole nation from top to bottom they will say USA is the best. And its like that for me too and thats why it makes it more special for us to be on the last game with USA. Anyway i hope it will be an exiciting and a close game between two teams. But if it happens to be a high margin game at the end with USA the winners, still it wont take any of the joy from me. Coz yes we made it to the last stage and we did best we could. ( at least till now, i know it sounded like i dont have any hope but its not like that. Act i voted for my country) And if it happens to be a victory for us then i must say it will be such a romantic ending to our fairytale:) And hopefully it will trigger some kind of progress in Turkish Basketball, especially in youth development. I believe Turkey has so much potential to become a dominant power in world stage like Spain or Argentina, even tho it will never become a true basketball nation like Lithuania. But that doesnt matter as long as i can watch them on all the international competitions here in Africa:p

[Freaknick]

I'll be calling the game live today on BBC World Service (http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/) with Chris Mitchell. It's online and it's free, so tune in if you can;t find anywhere to watch.

Also, here's the game preview on ELA:

Turkey vs. USA: Can Turkey ride Tünceri's lay-up all the way to Gold? (http://euroleagueadventures.com/turkey-vs-usa-can-turkey-ride-tunceris-lay-up-all-the-way-to-gold/)

[Live and die in LA]

US have got to start really good because they are in big trouble if they flirt around with Turkey in the fourth. They can just ask Serbia how it feels to be stung by Turkey.

[qiangdade]

tur-ki-ye! TUR-KI-YE!!!

[Richey666]

Whatever the officiating, 12 or 15 giant men, they are gonna get serious asswhooping by USA. Turkey's resistance will be a feeble dream, their guards are not able to stand the pressure and their bigs won't get enough ball as it is stolen before.

[HedoForever]

Go turkey !!!

Beat it now and beat it in 2012 in london :d

[jorje]

Here is my prediction
Turkey can't win by a very big margin 10+
The same holds for Usa, because turkish players won't give up even if they are loosing.
So it will be a close game.
I think USA has higher chances, let's say +5 points

[Perseus]

skyla or Haryvdis ? i will choose Turkey.
The result will show us if it was fixed or not.

[Kevin38]

Everyone here should know that as Host (can)should get the help from ref or ref help host more or less. it is normal already. i think it is ok.

That is a dumb statement IMO, why the hell should anybody get help from the refs? The game should be called fair regardlessm where it is played.....

[bfpri]

That is a dumb statement IMO, why the hell should anybody get help from the refs? The game should be called fair regardlessm where it is played.....

Should, but it isn't....it's almost standard now..check the NBA for a great example.

[Linktothepast]

Here is my prediction
Turkey can't win by a very big margin 10+
The same holds for Usa, because turkish players won't give up even if they are loosing.
So it will be a close game.
I think USA has higher chances, let's say +5 points

I think it is going to be an easy victory for USA today. Turkey will collapse after yesterday's performance. If the Turks pull it off though, well *raises hat*


skyla or Haryvdis ? i will choose Turkey.

Who is skyla and who is haryvdi in this case :confused: :rolleyes:

[Perseus]

Praise God to lose today ,it is very difficult to be number 1...

[JGX]

I think this is the first nonconference road game K has coached in 20 years :)

[durden_tyler]

Enough referees talk, this Turkish team is capable of having a close game against this very potent US team. Aside from Brazil, everyone else looked like an amateur team against USA. The primary question is can the Turkish guards handle the heat of the pressure defense of the Americans?

[kecal]

OK, go Turkey! as much inside presence as possible, please!

[busy]

Go usa...goooo

[Lewis]

I really wish Paul Pierce were part of the team, that way he can fake-injure himself in the 1st half and then come out in the last QT. to give us some sort of motivation. :p

[Adon]

Amaaan!

[septynix]

Durant is scary!

[Adon]

wtf?:confused:

[Azrael]

wtf ref! that was an unsportmanship foul! damn refs

[interxavierxxx]

Tyson Chandler, you're being a freaking bad example of an American basketball player.

Wait, aren't all American basketball players like this?

[CG]

haha
arteaga and lamonica in the same game
alltime classic by itself

[Phantim3dx]

Lamonica...money time!!!

[Azrael]

Tyson Chandler, you're being a freaking bad example of an American basketball player.

Wait, aren't all American basketball players like this?


what?

[Adon]

somebody has to stop Durant.

[FBNYC]

Tyson Chandler, you're being a freaking bad example of an American basketball player.

Wait, aren't all American basketball players like this?

What he do to warrant you to say he's a bad example, huh?

And then to generalize all American basketball players....smh...wow

[CG]

durant is unbelievable
maybe after years we are seeing something so close to MJ

[Visseira]

Lamonica giving his show...

[Phantim3dx]

Gordion just pwned that guy on defense!

[Strida]

I think people are going to start to respect American defense after these games.:D

[Richey666]

Funny phantom foul on Westbrook...key is will Turkoglu return? If justice prevails, he won't, maybe this injury isn't faking like Asik's yesterday.

[SYTEM FAILURE]

haha ... USA all the way! :D

[Adon]

Americans are having problems in low post game. Durant is carrying Americans in his shoulders with 3p shots.

[Azrael]

I think people are going to start to respect American defense after these games.:D

i doubt that. You know Europeans well enough. :P

[kecal]

Gordion just pwned that guy on defense!

Yeah, that was an amazing piece of defense :)

[FBNYC]

Funny phantom foul on Westbrook...key is will Turkoglu return? If justice prevails, he won't, maybe this injury isn't faking like Asik's yesterday.

nah, that was a definite foul on Westbrook...he hooked pretty bad and even admitted it himself.

[JGX]

Decent start by the US, neither team is able to penetrate much. Someone should tell Turkoglu that you're supposed to have your bad players baiting the other team's good players.

[septynix]

I think people are going to start to respect American defense after these games.:D
? Dude, stop being delusional. For years USA players have exceled in 1-on-1 defence. That + fast breaks are their main weapons, especially in this WC.

[Visseira]

2nd chance points are killing Turkey. The normal players miss the first shot, but then they give the ball to an alien called Durant:D.

[Strida]

? Dude, stop being delusional. For years USA players have exceled in 1-on-1 defence. That + fast breaks are their main weapons, especially in this WC.

Duh. Doesn't mean people recognize it. :D

[HedoForever]

how about the refs tonite?

horrible!!!

now who will say they favor home team i really wonder.

[Phantim3dx]

haha
arteaga and lamonica in the same game
alltime classic by itself



indeed david stern is workin the phones and bank accounts

[T.W.Is.M.]

Luigi is here!!! What can we expect?
USA is playing smallball 4 quite long, the last time I remember coach K do it, theylost 2 Greece. Let's c where will this lead them 2.

[Azrael]

how about the refs tonite?

horrible!!!

now who will say they favor home team i really wonder.

You're lucky they didn't call unsportmanship foul on Turkoglu!

[interxavierxxx]

USA showing the world that streetball is the best way to win basketball games. :mad:

Rudy Gay and his Gay defense on Tunceri.

[HedoForever]

You're lucky they didn't call unsportmanship foul on Turkoglu!

Turkoglu didnt foul,
he showed him what he did, and was responded offensively

[bfpri]

nothing to see here...rudy's defense is crap in the nba too

[kecal]

You're lucky they didn't call unsportmanship foul on Turkoglu!

That was Chandler's foul first of all (even before a rebound). Then he smashed Turkoglu for the second time. Hedo wanted to retaliate, but somehow controled himself... well, sort of :)

BTW, it's somehow strange to see Americans playing zone defense :)

[HedoForever]

and people who say turkey is wrestling and kickboxing

what will you say after usa's play

[Visseira]

Durant missed two consecutive open looks... Maybe he is not an alien:D.

[Lewis]

where is Paul Pierce to fake an injury when we need it the most !!!!!!

[Adon]

Nice block!!!

[durden_tyler]

Wow this is a nice physical ball game. At least on that end the Turkish are fighting. Make this a close one please! We don't want a boring finals!

[Azrael]

That was Chandler's foul first of all (even before a rebound). Then he smashed Turkoglu for the second time. Hedo wanted to retaliate, but somehow controled himself... well, sort of :)

BTW, it's somehow strange to see Americans playing zone defense :)


very interesting.. so thats not an unsportsmanlike foul huh? so you can push someone without getting called. thats B******

[Cojayar]

The refs have decided now USA wins. Game over. Durant floping. Wrong ball directions, ...

[Lewis]

The refs have decided now USA wins. Game over. Durant floping. Wrong ball directions, ...

Navarro :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[FBNYC]

That was Chandler's foul first of all (even before a rebound). Then he smashed Turkoglu for the second time. Hedo wanted to retaliate, but somehow controled himself... well, sort of :)

BTW, it's somehow strange to see Americans playing zone defense :)

If he knew he was going to get the foul (hedo), how come he went right to Chandler after the play? Seems like he wanted to instigate something. Why doesn't he just walk away instead of bumping into someone?

[HedoForever]

very interesting.. so thats not an unsportsmanlike foul huh? so you can push someone without getting called. thats B******

you really missed th point. I wrote in my upper message.

he did not foul, he showed chandler his action and chandler got pissed.

[Adon]

Americans are unbelievable athletes.

[CG]

durant man doesnot exist
extraterrestial durant

[Azrael]

you really missed th point. I wrote in my upper message.

he did not foul, he showed chandler his action and chandler got pissed.


Chandler got pissed? lol did he? maybe you are referring to hedo

[Richey666]

C'mon referees are letting Turkish players to do anything they want in defense. Turkoglu and referees fourhandedly keeping Turkey in the game.

[CG]

we had a same player some years ago in greece as Savas.his name TSekos:)

[Adon]

Durant is the MVP in this WBC

[durden_tyler]

Defensively, Turkey can do nothing if Durant keeps shooting those NBA 3 point shots--- he'll make some, he'll miss some. What i loved to see was the one possession where Durant was triple-teamed at the top--- shows respect and maybe the right strategy as you want others to beat you and not Durant.

[CG]

Durant is the MVP in this WBC

from the beginning
and there were people that talking about others.

[lllllllllllllllllllllllll]

Congrats to USA.. Good job. Game overrr.. I tnk to my team but thats allll...

(Totem, maybe works) :)

[Phantim3dx]

The refs have decided now USA wins. Game over. Durant floping. Wrong ball directions, ...

durant elarned from your players. u should be thankful

[hustlerlt]

I don't get it,why does team USA settle for so many three pointers?

[FBNYC]

Defensively, Turkey can do nothing if Durant keeps shooting those NBA 3 point shots--- he'll make some, he'll miss some. What i loved to see was the one possession where Durant was triple-teamed at the top--- shows respect and maybe the right strategy as you want others to beat you and not Durant.

Watching this game...that's probably the best thing to do......I don't see others making shots.

[Visseira]

Ilyasova plays well only when it doesn't matter:mad:.

[Linktothepast]

Americans dominate under the basket in rebounds. Rebounding was crucial up to this point.

[kecal]

The refs are pathetical... Now I can't even say the game is rigged... :)

[horizon]

ersan sucks...

[Cojayar]

Another wrong call. A travel is converted into a defensive foul. USA team is only two people. Durant and the Ref "Latuada" or how is he called.

[Azrael]

I don't get it,why does team USA settle for so many three pointers?

yeah, that's the only downside of their game today.

[JGX]

Heh, Westbrook fouled by the slippery advertising label. About time that worked in our favor.

Neither team executing offensively, presumably a combination of overexcitement and lack of preparation time. We'll see who settles down at halftime. Billups and Gordon with an incredible brickfest.

[wyopeq]

C'mon referees are letting Turkish players to do anything they want in defense. Turkoglu and referees fourhandedly keeping Turkey in the game.

yOu are such a blind or a hater to Turks if you make this comment...

go get a job!! it is getting really irritating..

refs clearly favors usa till now..

[kecal]

Turks are just to slow right now. They have to move the ball faster. In such a pace they will not brake American defenses.

PS: It has to be one of the worst finals ever. Terrible quality of the game from both sides.

[Strida]

Hahahaha, Durantula with 20 points in the first half.

That man is out of this world.:D

[Visseira]

3-pointers:

Durant 5/9
Rest of the team 1/13

[busy]

Turkey can't compete in Free Throw with USA .It's obvious .The best way to stop Turkey is Foul .
Yes ,GO USA.

[Franz]

How the f did Turkey make it to the Final? This has to be the worst final since WC has existed.

USA really isn't trying and will likely win this game with 70% effort.

[bobo81]

I hope things get better in the second half, especially our offensive game. This is ridiculous.

Both teams are looking extremely tired, but I am glad U.S. is still showing tenacity on D.

DUUUUUUURRRRRAAAANNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTT. :)

[durden_tyler]

Similar to the Lithuania game, US has a healthy lead at the half and led by Durant's explosion.

The difference? Turkey is not really making stupid mistakes in turning the ball over like what the Lithuanians did.

If Turkey can start heating up from the outside and do a better job in closing out on Durant (and other shooters) i think we'll have a closer score at the end game.

[fordham baldy]

If only Gordon and mr Bad Shot could hit at least 2 of their wide open 3s game would be over now.

[SexyFlanders]

I never thought a USA team could win a final on defense alone. Seems like Euro basketball is having a bigger influence across the Atlantic :D