The USA Men's Basketball team aka the "Redeem Team" just concluded a very successful few days that saw them rout the 2 teams considered their biggest rivals for the Gold Medal at the Olympics. First, they earned a bit of redemption by blowing out Greece 92-69, avenging their lone loss at the 2006 World Basketball Championships. Los Angeles Lakers guard and NBA MVP Kobe Bryant led the way with 18 points, Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh also had 18, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat had 17 points, six steals and five assists and Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers chipped in with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Next, they blew the defending world basketball champions Spain off the court 119-82. It was the US team's 4th straight win, widest margin of victory yet and secured the #1 seed in group A for the Quarterfinals. Lebron James led the way with 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets scored 16 points and had six rebounds; and Dwyane Wade added 16 points and six rebounds, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets recorded 14 points dished out eight assists, had five steals and five rebounds. Kobe Bryant added 11 as did Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz. Next up for the US is a meaningless game against Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and Germany on Monday 8/18. Then the real fun begins as the Quarterfinals (single elimination) get under way. One thing is clear after watching the "Redeem Team" dominate Greece and Spain, if they keeping playing this way.... redemption for USA Basketball is close at hand.
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