USA Guts Out Gold, Beats Spain 118-107, Behind Wade & Bryant

Nobody expected another blow-out over Spain, but the Spanish team did hang around and push the United States to the limit, perhaps more than anticipated.

Kobe and LeBron were in early foul trouble, and D Wade was the most conspicuous spark for our U.S. team in the 1st half.

Chris Bosh made some key free-throws in the 2nd half, even as Dwight Howard was throwin' up bricks at the charity stripe.

Spain is a wily team and repeatedly broke down the U.S.A. defense, behind the Gasol brothers, Pau and Marc. Fernandez was another stand-out.

It took the whole dang game, but the U.S. all-stars did prevail, as Kobe stepped-up with key defense and shots, the exclamation point coming with a 3-point shot on which he was fouled, his subsequent free-throw making it a 4-point play, spelling the beginning of the end for the Spanish Nationals.

After the Lakers collapse in Boston, Game 6, of the NBA Finals, it was especially satisfying to see our MVP Kobe be the pressure closer, to regain the Olympic Gold medal for our American basketball team.

Thanks, guys!