The men's basketball tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece began on 15 August and ended on 28 August, when Argentina defeated Italy 84–69 for the gold medal. The games were held at the Helliniko Olympic Indoor Arena and Olympic Indoor Hall.

Medalists

Qualification

Format

Tie-breaking criteria:

Squads

Preliminary round

Group A

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Group B

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Classification games

All times are local (UTC+3)

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Knockout stage

Quarterfinals

In spite of an undefeated preliminary round, the Spaniards were defeated by the United States (3–2 in group play) to the chagrin of Spanish head coach Mario Pesquera. Unlike their Spanish counterparts, however, the Lithuanians had an easy time disposing of the Del Harris-led Chinese squad. Argentina, led by 13 points from both Manu Ginóbili and Fabricio Oberto, disposed of the home squad, led by the 12 points from Nikos Chatzivrettas. All times are local (UTC+3)

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Semifinals

The United States was defeated by Argentina, suffering its third loss of the tournament, the most losses ever by the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team. Following the loss to Argentina, it was the first U.S. team to fail to win a gold medal since the 1988 Olympics. The United States would not lose three games in a major tournament again until the 2023 FIBA World Cup. All times are local (UTC+3)

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Bronze medal game

The United States won its first bronze medal since 1988 by avenging the preliminary loss to Lithuania of one week earlier. All times are local (UTC+3)

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Gold medal game

Argentina won its first ever Olympic gold medal in basketball and became the first Latin and Hispanic nation to obtain an Olympic gold medal in men's basketball. All times are local (UTC+3)

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Awards

Statistical leaders

Top ten in points, rebounds and assists, and top 5 in steals and blocks.

Points

Rebounds

Assists

Steals

Blocks

Game highs

Final standings