This post went up about an hour before tipoff of the gold medal game, and the entire world was already certain that the United States would defeat Spain for the gold medal in London.
In the fourth quarter, that didn’t look like such a sure thing, but all that mattered at the end was USA 107; Spain 100.
The betting line on the game went from 19 1/2 to 21 1/2, and Spain went from a 20-1 underdog to 25-1. Those were some loooong odds for a team with a clearly superior size advantage, but Marc Gasol’s foul trouble throughout and coach Serge Scariolo’s refusal to play Serge Ibaka in the fourth quarter took that advantage away.
My pre-game pick was USA 104, Spain 94, with Kevin Love (who finished with 9 points and 9 rebounds) playing a big role.
I’ll voted LeBron James for team MVP afterward.
You agree? Vote below.
Question for Chris: Can you find out who has won the most games in international play without losing a game? If it’s not an American, can you then tell me the American who has won the most without losing? I thought it was Jason Kidd, but that may have changed now.
Lebron, KD, Kobe, K-Love, and CP3 all played well and did something to affect the game. LeBron with the big 3, KD with his hot shooting (30 pts), K-Love on the boards, CP3 controlling the game/pace/defense in 2nd half, and Kobe holding Narravo to 2 2nd half points.
Rio in 2016 will be tough.
Lebron is getting to that Alltime Great status. Let’s see who they defend the Crown.
LeBron.