U.S. beats Russia, 89-79, moves into semis at world basketball championships
Published 11:53 am Thursday, September 9, 2010
ISTANBUL — Kevin Durant scored 33 points and the United States beat Russia 89-79 on Thursday to move into the semifinals at the world championship.
It was the 38th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over the Americans for an Olympic gold medal, a game with such a controversial ending that the U.S. players refused to accept their silver medals.
Durant made sure there would be no worries at the finish of this one, shooting 11-of-19 from the field and just missing Carmelo Anthony’s world championship team record of 35 points set in 2006.
The U.S. moved two wins from its first world championship since 1994 and plays either Lithuania or Argentina on Saturday. Host Turkey and Serbia play in the other semifinal.
