Word: spain
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Even though he almost had to eat them. During the first seven games of this Olympic tournament, the U.S. walloped every opponent by an average of 30.3 points per game. Spain, the defending world champion, had already suffered its humiliation, a 37-point loss to the Americans in the preliminaries. James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade: the Americans just had too much. Most fans expected another yawner...
...Team U.S.A. Both countries made a series of head-scratching shots, clutch three pointers, and pretty passes. "It will probably go down in history as one of the greatest Olympic games ever," James says. No argument here. After the game, he recounted the twists of the fourth quarter. Spain rallies, the U.S. gives itself some breathing room, another Spain comeback, more huge plays from the Americans. "I'm kind of crazy cause I'm watching the game all over again in my head," he told reporters. "The intensity of the game was unbelievable. I think you guys felt the intensity...
...Spain started strong, building a five-point lead within the first five minutes. The team's point guard phenom, 17-year old Ricky Rubio, dazzled the crowd with a no-look pass for a Pau Gasol lay-up, and a behind-the-back shake of Jason Kidd. The youngest player to ever win an Olympics hoops medal, Rubio looks, and plays, like the legendary "Pistol" Pete Maravich. He's got the think dark eyebrows, floppy hair, and flair. NBA scouts are already salivating...
...make the Olympic team. But his fresh legs flourished. Team U.S.A.'s most consistent player throughout the tournament, Wade was spectacular on Sunday. His 21 first-half points helped give the U.S. a 69-61 lead at the break (he finished with a game-high 27). Though they trailed, Spain wasn't scared: both teams moved the ball, ran the break, and shot over 60% in the first half. Finally, a game worth watching...
...even better after halftime. With eight minutes left in the game, Spain's Rudy Fernandez, who will play for the Portland Trail Blazers this season, sank his fourth three pointer - he finished with five - to cut the American lead to just two, 91-89. The place went berserk. China's fans love Team U.S.A. but they adore a close game even more. Time out, U.S. Could Spain really pull off a shocker...