Spain vs. China Olympic Basketball: Grades, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

Spain began its march towards what they hope will be a gold-medal showdown with Team USA. They handled China 97-81 in their preliminary game on Sunday, and they did it with their dominant frontcourt.

The Spaniards have perhaps the best frontcourt in this year's Olympics, and they reaffirmed that against China. The Gasol brothers (Pau and Marc) and Serge Ibaka will be the most formidable aspect of Spain's team for any opponent.

Pau Gasol had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Ibaka had 17 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots. 

China was game, as they even cut the deficit to single digits in the second-half, but the talent and size difference was too much.

Yi Jianlian was superb; yes Yi. He had a game-high 30 points for China, and he kept his team in the game.

Twitter Reaction

Things didn't exactly work out for ESPN True Hoops writer Sean Highkin. Oh well, there's always the streamed replays:

"

So my plan to get up in time for the USA-France and Spain-China games kind of failed miserably.

— Sean Highkin (@shighkinNBA) July 29, 2012"

Minnesota Timberwolves and Star Tribune reporter Jerry Zgoda sells the non-Gasol members of the Spanish team short with this tweet.

"

That's Wolves scoutPete Philo on China's bench -- he's an assistant coach -- right now against Spain. The Gasols lead 71-62 in the 4th

— Jerry Zgoda(@JerryZgoda) July 29, 2012"

I think he'd be more complimentary if this guy were playing for Spain:

Spain is more than just the Gasol's, see:

"

Serge Ibaka and Spain beat China 97-81. Serge 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks. #London2012

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 29, 2012"

The Oklahoma City Thunder official Twitter makes sure the world recognizes the accomplishments of one of their four Olympians.

Not Bill Walton comes through with what most NBA fans were thinking. Yi Jianlian?

"

Yi Jianlian is single handedly keeping China in this game vs Spain. NBA fans everywhere are wondering if that's a type. Yi? Dominant?

— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) July 29, 2012"

Grades

Pau Gasol: A+

He was anything but soft in this one. His double-double was the main reason Spain stayed in control throughout. He was dominant and the Chinese had no answer for him.

Yia Jianlian: A+

He couldn't win it by himself, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. His 30 points led all scorers and made people wonder where this Yi has been in his NBA career.

With one more player performing at a high level, this game could have been a lot more interesting.

Serge Ibaka: A

Ibaka continued his solid international play. His 17 points and three blocks showed he was a force on both ends of the floor, and his athleticism will be key throughout Olympic play.

Wang Zhizhi: B

The former NBA player had a decent game with 15 points, but he had only three rebounds in 30 minutes. At 7'1", his size is important against a team like Spain, but he was not a factor inside.

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