2004 Summer Olympics: Argentina's Historic Gold in Men's Basketball

A Thrilling Gold Medal Match

The 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens witnessed an unforgettable gold medal match in men's basketball. On August 28, 2004, Argentina and Italy faced off in a nail-biting contest. Led by NBA stars Manu Ginóbili and Luis Scola, Argentina emerged victorious with a score of 84-69.

Argentina's Road to Triumph

Argentina's journey to the gold medal was a remarkable one. They navigated a challenging group stage, defeating teams from Serbia and Montenegro, Australia, and Spain. In the knockout round, they overcame formidable opponents such as Greece, a rising basketball powerhouse.

Ginóbili and Scola's Stellar Performance

Manu Ginobili, the San Antonio Spurs shooting guard, was the driving force behind Argentina's success. He averaged 19.3 points per game, showcasing his exceptional ball-handling skills and outside shooting. Luis Scola, playing for the Golden State Warriors at the time, was equally impressive, averaging 17.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

A Historic Victory for Argentina

Argentina's gold medal victory in Athens was their first in men's basketball at the Olympics. It cemented their place as one of the top basketball nations in the world. The triumph holds a special significance in Argentine sports history, being the country's highest achievement in the sport.