August 17, 2008

2008 Olympics: Team USA is 4-0 after beating Spain

Still unbeaten! Four down, four to go. The U.S. Basketball Olympic team is getting back to the top of the basketball world.

Every U.S. player scored — even Jason Kidd for the first time in Beijing — as the Americans turned the matchup of unbeatens into their easiest victory yet. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony each finished with 16 points.

The win put the U.S. at 4-0 in pool play and clinched the top seed in Group B. After finishing the round robin phase with a game against Germany on Monday, the Americans face the fourth-place finisher in Group A - likely Australia - on Wednesday. Unleashing a lethal 3-point barrage for the first time in Beijing, the Americans turned the marquee matchup of the preliminary round into another romp, beating Spain 119-82.

With the packed crowd still buzzing from China's thrilling victory against Germany earlier in the night session, the Olympic basketball arena had an energy that had been missing since the Americans' victory against the Chinese on opening night.

James was already walking toward the Spanish team's line of players for the pregame handshakes and exchange of gifts before Spain's national anthem was even finished.

2008 Olympics

 
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