USA MEN WIN GOLD!
The
But a dynamic performance from Rudy Fernandez (22 pts), who hit five of nine from long range and even dunked over USA center Dwight Howard in the second half, and a brilliant offensive effort from Juan Carlos Navarro (18 pts) kept the world champions close for the entire game.
“
“Every possession counted. You couldn't take one second off. If it wasn't for our determination, and the will power that we have on each other (shakes head) …
“Much respect for
Aito Garcia Reneses’ men eventually closed the gap to 91-89 with 8:13 left when Fernandez, who will play for USA assistant coach and Portland Trail Blazers boss Nate McMillan this coming season in the NBA, hit a three-pointer.
Kobe Bryant (20 pts) went to the other end and scored in the lane, and following a Fernandez miss from behind the arc, the USA rushed the ball up the floor and a wide-open Deron Williams drilled a three to open up a seven-point advantage.
After Howard scored to extend the lead to 98-89, Fernandez gave
Bryant sank the free throw for a 108-99 triumph but
The excellent Navarro scored with a runner in the paint and
Wade answered with a trey for the
"It has been a very beautiful game to play,” said
“It's a pity because we came mighty close. We had options during the game. I am proud of my team-mates, of the technical staff. I think this final game says a lot about what team we are and how we deserve to be in this position.
“We should be very proud of what we have accomplished here. We never backed down and played a tough game."
When asked if he thought this year’s team was like the Dream Team of 1992 that had players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, Gasol said: "I think there was only one Dream Team, in my opinion. That dream team was very special, quite unique.
“There are teams that could be close to it but none like that one. That team changed a lot of things in basketball and made young people want to play the game."
The
Rubio had six points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals in more than 28 minutes on the floor.
He has become the youngest basketball player at the age of 17 to win a medal at the Olympic Games.
Gasol, Bryant’s Lakers teammate, had 21 points and six rebounds for
Jimenez also had 12 points while Felipe Reyes capped a terrific Olympics with a team-high seven boards to go with his 10 points.
For the Americans, James finished with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals while the outstanding Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony each scored 13.
USA Basketball had labelled this summer their Redemption Tour.
Team
Colangelo and Krzyzewski, the legendary coach at
The
After going undefeated in the preliminary round, they defeated
Kobe Bryant, a member of last year’s team in
"
“Everyone wants to talk about NBA players being arrogant, selfish, being individuals but what you saw today was a team bonding together, facing adversity and coming out of here with a big win."
When asked if the team would stay together, Colangelo joked: “What these guys didn’t know is they actually signed up for an eight-year commitment.”
Colangelo said that six of the players have already come forward on their own to say they want to stay with the program.
“You have to treasure this experience,” Paul said. “You never know. They may want another point guard in four years from now.”
Ironically, the
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