Argentina vs. Lithuania Olympic Basketball: Grades, Twitter Reaction & Analysis

Argentina handled Lithuania with ease in their Group A preliminary matchup. The Argentinians marched to a 102-79 victory by outscoring their opponent in all four frames. 

Argentina is accustomed to Olympic success. They took home medals in 2004 and 2008, and their roster is laden with NBA players this year. That bodes well for their team moving forward. 

Luis Scola led the way for Argentina with 32 points, but he was backed by three other double-digit scorers. Lithuania had three players in double figures, but Linas Kleiza was the only starter able to reach that benchmark.

The difference in talent was obvious. Let's take a look at what the Twitter universe thought.

Twitter Reaction

The Globe and Mail sports columnist Jeff Blair had this to say about Lithuania during the game, despite their losing effort:

"

At Lithuania-Argentina basketball. Jonas Valanciunas is one of the biggest men I've seen; Lithuanian fans are the noisiest I've heard.

— Jeff Blair (@GloBlair) July 29, 2012"

He's right. Valanciunas is big, and he's athletic. The Lithuanian fans did a wonderful job of supporting their squad as well.

USA Today reporter Jeff Zillgitt also spoke to the game's atmosphere:

"

Great atmosphere at the Argentina-Lithuania game; lots of chants and whistling from fans of both teams. Great game, too.

— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) July 29, 2012"

This is what the Olympics are all about, especially for two medal contenders. Either way, it's fantastic to see fans coming out in droves to support their squad.

TSN insider Dwight Walton questioned Argentina's late-game strategy, despite their complete control.

"

And why was Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola still in the game up 23? I know point differential counts but injuries could happen.

— Dwight Walton (@Bballinsider) July 29, 2012"

He makes a valid argument. Argentina is one of the only threats to Team USA's gold-medal hopes, but that would end the second they lost Scola or Ginobili. 

Grades

Luis Scola: A

Scola led the way for Argentina with a 32-point effort. He was 12-of-19 from the field. 

The Argentinian forward also snagged six boards for his squad in their winning effort. This should encourage Phoenix Suns fans and force Houston Rockets fans to question their offseason choices.

Manu Ginobili: A+

Ginobili is an age-old veteran at this point, but you can't tell by his play on the court. He gave Scola outstanding backcourt support and makes the Argentinian squad extremely balanced.

He ended the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals. NBA fans have grown accustomed to his stat-sheet-stuffing play, but it never gets old.

Carlos Delfino: B+

Delfino didn't get an A because he only scored points, but his 20-point effort earns him high marks either way. He's the resident marksman on his squad and made 6-of-9 treys in their winning effort.

Linas Kleiza: A

Kleiza earns an A because he led Lithuania in their losing effort. He scored 20 points and also hauled down six rebounds. 

He supplied a dominant interior effort without much help from his Lithuanian teammates.