Gold Medal

The U.S. won the gold medal after defeating Spain, 118-107. It was a tough game, officiated tightly in the beginning and later turning into a street fight. It appeared as if Spain's first half whining paid off in the second half. Spain was helped by some unlikely performances as well. For the Americans, Tayshaun Prince and Dwyane Wade performed well in the first half.

Spain would not go away. They managed to cut the lead to two in the fourth, a quarter that saw big shot after big shot by both teams. The U.S. struggled defensively throughout. In the end, Kobe Bryant took over the game and showed the level of greatness that he has reached in recent years. He trusted his teammates, easy to do with such a talented roster. LeBron James was the vocal leader throughout. Kobe completed a four-point play that seemed to end the competitive phase of the contest.

The U.S. brought home the gold in a global tournament for the first time in eight years. The American players showed a lot of class throughout the entire ride. For all of the negative attention that American NBA players receive, it is very easy to be proud of this group of men.