The three-point shot, the unfortunate linchpin of Team USA's offense, hasn't been falling with consistency in the first half of the 2012 Olympic semifinal game against Argentina, but LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and company still lead at the half, 47-40.
Bryant is leading the charge for Team USA — the same way he did last year as they approached the gold medal game — with 13 points, three rebounds and an assist. LeBron James, who keyed a shift in mentality late in the second half by attacking the basket, has 11 points and four rebounds. The team as a whole, however, is struggling, shooting just 5-17 from three-point range. Doc Rivers is in NBC Sports' studio, and when asked if the U.S. will shoot less in the second half said, "I expect them to shoot more." Sounds about right.
Argentina needs to get more scoring from Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola, who have eight and 10 points, if they're going to seriously challenge the U.S. when the shots start falling. Whether they can do that with the defense Team USA is capable playing is a different story, but it's still what needs to happen. The winner of this game will take on the Gasol brothers and Spain in the gold medal game on Sunday.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub. For more on Olympic basketball, follow the 2012 Olympic basketball section.
