• Interview.Ricky: "I have to take a step forward"

The Spain of the tremulous beginnings, that of the taste for uncertainty and the apotheosic rebirths, could not afford scares this time. Even as much as he insisted. The expansion of the World Cup to 32 teams, another of those brilliant ideas of the FIBA, makes shows like this Saturday at the Guangzhou Gymnasium. Equality, emotion, brings mediocrity, a downward tournament: you just had to see a little before the crazy end of Puerto Rico - Iran, the next two rivals of the national team. Tunisia was really a comparsa, despite Scariolo's going from less to more. Because it will be within a week, exactly next Friday, when the first and grand final arrives, in a flash, to that Italy that wanted to make things clear before the Philippines. [Narration and statistics: 101-62]

Although of course, a hint of restlessness could not be missing. Spain, so different from that of the past, but so alike, continues to prove to be lazy awakenings. The first half was a disturbing ferris wheel, to the point of the anger of Marc Gasol on the way to the changing rooms. At times, it seemed a prolongation of Wednesday's bad time against Russia in Ningbó. Because the lazy Tunisia was getting on her beards, a partial 3-17 to rub her eyes. He tried to solve Scariolo with an area and it was a disaster.

Spain did not panic, even if it fell by 10 (19-29); four consecutive three-pointers, with Llull enraged, for a 14-0 run-off that stabilized the crisis and allowed the break to go ahead (42-29). Ricky and Marc had been, as expected, absolute protagonists, better still the base. But it was the defense the hole, allowing everything to Mejri and company (13 points of the former Real Madrid player in those two quarters), 22 points in the paint and again the battle for the rebound a headache.

But the distance between the two teams is such that just a rush of Spain ended the rainy night in Guangzhou. If it was a 7-0 the start of the game, now, that quintet that is an absolute guarantee and that has so many resources in both baskets, like a Swiss army knife, scored a 13-1 that triggered the difference (55-40) . It was convenient to solve it as soon as possible and avoid suspicion.

Llull was the final spring from the bench, another of the ideas with which Scariolo has worked on the preparation. The full version of the Balearic is so necessary ... With two more triples in his account, the last one on the board - although on a blackboard play - he finished off a third overwhelming quarter, which was definitely the entry of Spain into the World Cup ( 30-8).

The distance was not going to stop increasing, until it was scandalous, as planned. The selection was toned on both sides of the field, released the dolls (17 of 33 in triples) and others who will also have a lot to say, such as Pau Ribas and Claver, got on the car. A finally valid simulation that will last Monday against Puerto Rico.

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  • Basketball World Cup 2019
  • Spanish Basketball Team
  • Basketball
  • Ricky Rubio
  • Spain
  • Sergio Scariolo
  • Puerto Rico
  • Tunisia
  • Russia
  • Pau Ribas
  • Marc Gasol
  • Italy
  • Iran
  • basketball
  • ACB League

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