Скачать или смотреть Team USA vs Puerto Rico Atenas Olympic 2004

On August 15, 2004, during the Athens Summer Olympic Games, the Puerto Rican national basketball team achieved a monumental victory that sent shockwaves through the sports world. Facing the heavily favored United States team, stacked with NBA stars such as Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, Puerto Rico defied all expectations.

The United States had always been a powerhouse in international basketball, especially after NBA players began participating in the Olympics. The 2004 team, brimming with talent and confidence, was expected to dominate the competition. Their pre-Olympic performance only reinforced this belief, suggesting an easy path to the gold medal.

Yet, in the preliminary game, Puerto Rico’s team, led by seasoned players like José “Piculín” Ortiz, Eddie Casiano, and Larry Ayuso, alongside emerging talents like Rolando Hourruitiner, Bobby Joe Hatton, and Carlos Arroyo, delivered a stunning upset. Puerto Rico not only beat the United States but did so with a decisive score of 92-73.

This victory was not just a win on the scoreboard; it was a symbol of unity and pride for Puerto Ricans everywhere. On that day, people from all walks of life across the island and the diaspora in the United States came together to celebrate. It was a moment that transcended sports, highlighting the resilience and determination of a small island nation on the global stage.

The significance of this game cannot be overstated. For the first time since NBA players were allowed in Olympic basketball, the United States was defeated. The media described the event as “one of the biggest upsets in Olympics history,” and it remains a source of immense pride for Puerto Ricans.

Puerto Rico - Roster

• Carlos Arroyo
• Eddie Casiano
• Larry Ayuso
• Rolando Hourruitiner
• José Rafael Ortíz
• Daniel Santiago
• Bobby Joe Hatton
• Sharif Karim Fajardo
• Pedro Juan Ramos
• Rick Apodaca
• Christian Dalmau
• Jorge Rivera

Team USA - Roster

• Tim Duncan
• Allen Iverson
• Lamar Odom
• Dwyane Wade
• Richard Jefferson
• LeBron James
• Shawn Marion
• Stephon Marbury
• Carlos Boozer
• Carmelo Anthony
• Amar’e Stoudemire
• Emeka Okafor

The 2004 victory by Puerto Rico over the United States is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the power of teamwork and perseverance. This win remains a defining moment in Puerto Rican sports history and an inspiring story for generations to come.