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US Men Back on Top With Basketball Gold

We're 'back on top,' boasts ecstatic LeBron James

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2008 5:51 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The US Men's Basketball Olympic team pulled off a hard-fought victory to beat Spain 118-107 today to grab the gold medal. The US team has won gold every Olympics but three, including embarrassing defeats in 2004. "Much respect to Spain, but the US is back on top again," boasted player LeBron James. The US women's basketball team nailed gold yesterday. Spain brought on a surprisingly tough game after being trounced by the Yanks earlier in the competition.

The US team led by just 4 point with 2.5 minutes left to play. Dwayne Wade—who scored a total of 27 points, with Kobe Bryant racking up 20—quickly made a 3-pointer and added a lay-in off a pass from Bryant. When it was over, "Redeem Team" USA—peppered with NBA multi-millionaire players—partied at midcourt with Born in the USA blasting on loudspeakers. Argentina won the bronze.

US basketball players Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Lebron James and Carlos Boozer hold their gold medals after beating Spain 118-107 today.
US basketball players Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Lebron James and Carlos Boozer hold their gold medals after beating Spain 118-107 today.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
USA's LeBron James, left, and Jason Kidd hold up their gold medals as they celebrate beating Spain 118-107.
USA's LeBron James, left, and Jason Kidd hold up their gold medals as they celebrate beating Spain 118-107.   (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic)
Deron Williams, left, and LeBron Jams hold up their gold medals as they celebrate their 118-107 victory over Spain today.
Deron Williams, left, and LeBron Jams hold up their gold medals as they celebrate their 118-107 victory over Spain today.   (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic)
The basketball team stands\ during the national anthem before the men's gold medal basketball game against Spain.
The basketball team stands\ during the national anthem before the men's gold medal basketball game against Spain.   (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic)
USA's Dwight Howard, right, embraces Kobe Bryant as they celebrate after beating Spain 118-107 in the men's gold medal basketball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008.
USA's Dwight Howard, right, embraces Kobe Bryant as they celebrate after beating Spain 118-107 in the men's gold medal basketball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008. ...   (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic)
TKobe Bryant bites his gold medal during ceremonies following the US team's victory over Spain.
TKobe Bryant bites his gold medal during ceremonies following the US team's victory over Spain.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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'Redeem Team' wins gold
AFP

US grab top slot
New York Times

 
Kobe Bryant • basketball • LeBron James • Team USA • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Dwayne Wade • gold medal

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