2012 London Summer Olympics

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Carmelo Anthony described as "cheap shot" the hit in the groin that he absorbed from Facundo Campazzo of Argentina.

"You come down in transition and you're wide open and for somebody to do that, it was a cheap shot," said Anthony after the USA defeated Argentina, 126-97 for its fifth win in as many games in the Olympic men's basketball competition.

The hit happened after Anthony hit a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter. As he was landing, Campazzo ran past Anthony and hit him in the groin.

Despite saying it was more of a tap, Campazzo's low blow angered Anthony because it was uncalled for, adding that nobody takes cheap shots like that in the NBA.

While Anthony was wincing in pain, some of his United States teammates and coaches argued with the Argentinian bench, with head coach Mike Krzyzewski exchanging choice words with Argentina forward Luis Scola.

The cheap shot Anthony absorbed was believed to be in retaliation for an earlier shot Campazzo took from Chris Paul. Campazzo said Paul did not apologize after the hit.

Anthony's teammate Kobe Bryant spoke with Campazzo about what happened with Anthony. According to Bryant, Campazzo apologized.

"I have a great amount of respect for Argentina and how hard they've played, but that was uncalled for," Bryant said.

Anthony and Krzyzewski said they are putting the incident behind them and the Americans are looking toward Wednesday's quarterfinal game against Australia.

Anthony finished with just five points against Argentina after scoring a combined 53 points in 26 minutes against Tunisia and Nigeria last week.

But Anthony's offense was hardly missed as Kevin Durant scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter to spearhead the Americans' breakaway in the second half.

 

 

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