Men’s Basketball Semifinals Preview: Russia vs. Spain

Sergio Perez/ReutersPau Gasol of Spain, right, and Florent Pietrus of France on Wednesday.

With two impressive national teams squaring off and a spot in the gold medal game at stake, we take a look at how Spain and Russia are faring and where their semifinal matchup might be decided:
SPAIN
• In Spain’s 66-59 win over France in the quarterfinals, Pau Gasol’s production (10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists) was good, but his overall effect was far greater. He was a source for offense and support, and in the second half of a highly competitive game, Gasol repeatedly drew double teams that he exploited with ease. It’s the ability to handle the ball, pass away from pressure and force opponents into foul trouble that makes Gasol so valuable. He may not be the best overall player in the tournament, but his versatility allows him to be exactly what a talent-laden Spanish team needs.