Team USA wins the Gold 107-100 over Spain!

By Kshell

Team USA wins the Gold Medal for the second straight Olympics over Spain 107-100! Just like in 2008 Spain gave the United States all they could handle but the U.S. proved down the stretch they were mentally tough. The United States who only had a one point lead entering the fourth quarter saw several of the big time guys in Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Lebron James come through in the clutch. Durant set a record for most points scored in a championship game with 30 points as he became the single tournament record holder for points scored with 156 points. Kobe Bryant and coach Mike Krzyzewski ended their Olympic career with a gold medal as they both came into this program when Team USA had hit rock bottom. Then there is Lebron James who capped his magical season joining only Michael Jordan as the only player to ever win the regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP and Gold Medal in the same season.

In the first quarter team USA came out shooting red hot as did Spain guard Juan-Carlos Navarro. The United States led 35-27 in the first quarter led by Kevin Durant scored 12 points on three for seven shooting with two three pointers while making four of five free throws. Carmelo Anthony continued his great Olympics with eight points on three for five shooting making both three point attempts. Lebron James didn't score but had four rebounds and three assists. While Navarro kept Spain in it with 14 points on four for six shooting making all three three point attempts. Los Angeles Lakers all-star power forward Pau Gasol scored six points, grabbed five rebounds with five assists. The United States made 7-10(70.0%) from three point range as it looked early on that the U.S. would put Spain away.

Spain opened the second quarter on a 9-0 run then eventually 14-2 run to take a 39-37 lead over the United States. In the second quarter Spain would outscore the United States 31-24 as the U.S went cold from the outside making just one for eight from down town. The second quarter saw a combined 25 free throws as the officials were calling a tight game. At halftime the United States led 59-58. Durant was their leading scorer scoring 17 points on just 4-12 shooting while two for eight from three pointers but seven for eight on free throws. James scored eight points on three for five shooting with six rebounds and three assists. Kobe Bryant scored six points hitting two three pointers. Anthony scored eight points on two three pointers. Deron Williams scored six points on two three pointers while Kevin Love scored nine points making five for six free throws with six rebounds. For Spain they led by Navarro scoring 19 points on 6-11 shooting making four three pointers. Pau Gasol scored eight points on three for eight shooting with six rebounds and five assists. Serge Ibaka scored five points all at the free throw line with five rebounds.

In the third quarter both teams traded leads before Kevin Durant hit a three pointer to give USA an 83-80 lead before leading 83-82 going into the fourth quarter. Both teams scored 24 points in the quarter. Durant scored 10 points in the third while Bryant scored seven points in the third quarter for team USA. For Spain who was without Marc Gasol the entire period as he picked up four fouls in the first half relied on his brother Pau and Serge Ibaka. Ibaka scored six of his 11 points in the third once again living at the free throw line making seven for nine. Pau Gasol dominated the third though as Spain kept pace despite not hitting a three pointer. Pau scored 15 points in the quarter giving him 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists after the third quarter. For team USA who scored 24 points had 21 of them come from James, Bryant and Durant as the rest of the team went cold. The United Stated they had a fight on their hands as their usual big third quarter over their opponents when they put teams away didn't happen. Spain due to Pau Gasol went toe to toe with the United States as the game remained a one point lead for the United States with only one quarter to go to see who wins the Gold Medal.

The fourth quarter began with the struggling Chris Paul going on a personal 5-0 run to give USA a 90-84 lead. Then with 7:11 left in the 4th quarter James picked up his fourth foul and had to go to the bench. After a Spain bucket, Durant would hit a three pointer to extend USA's lead to 93-86. Bryant would cap the 12-4 run with two free throws as USA led 95-86. After Navarro hit a three pointer and back to back turnovers by Bryant and Anthony the game was down to 97-91 when James entered the game with under three minutes to play. With 2:45 left in the game James blew by everyone for the dunk to extend USA's lead to 99-91, then with the shot clock winding down to cap his terrific season James knocked down the dagger three pointer to give USA a 102-93 lead. After Chris Paul made a terrific layup giving USA a 104-93 lead coach K started to celebrate as he knew his team was winning the gold medal.

For the United States this team was probably the best team assembled since the 1992 Dream Team. The United States shot 34-70(48.6%) from the field, 15-37(40.5%) from three point range and 24-31(77.4%) from the free throw line. Kevin Durant led team USA with 30 points on 8-18 shooting including 5-13 from three point range and 9-10 on free throws. He also added nine rebounds in the win. Lebron James scored 19 points on 8-13 shooting including a three pointer with seven rebounds and four assists. Kobe Bryant scored 17 points on 5-10 shooting including three for seven from three point range while making four of five free throws. Chris Paul scored 11 points on four for nine shooting with two three pointers and three steals. Kevin Love scored nine points on two for three shooting and made five of six free throws. He also provided great defense in the fourth quarter and had nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony scored eight points on three for nine shooting including two for six from three pointers with five rebounds and three assists. Deron Williams scored six points hitting both three point field goals he attempted. The United States held off a tough Spain team for the gold medal for the second straight Olympics.

As for Spain they were led by the Gasol brothers. Pau Gasol finished with 24 points on 9-17 shooting making six of eight free throws. He also grabbed eight rebounds and had seven assists. His brother Marc Gasol scored 17 points on 8-10 shooting in only 17 minutes as he fought foul trouble picking up his fourth foul in the second quarter. Juan-Carlos Navarro scored 21 points on 7-17 shooting including four for nine from three point range. Former Trail Blazer Rudy Fernandez scored 14 points on three for seven shooting with a three pointer and made seven for eight free throws. He also provided six rebounds. Serge Ibaka who now lost the NBA Finals then the Gold Medal game much like Pau Gasol did in 2008(Pau would win the next two NBA titles though) scored 12 points on two for five shooting but made 8-10 from the free throw line while adding nine rebounds. Spain's early shooting and their front court kept them in the game until the end. Ultimately they didn't have an answer for all that firepower that the United States has.

In 2004 the United States had reached rock bottom as they finished 3rd in the Olympics. It wasn't only the finish that was embarrassing but the lack of pride that comes with it when playing for your country was evident. This team won the gold back in 2008 and during this tournament challenged the 1992 Dream Team for best team ever assembled. The United States team with so many great players seem to have no conflicts despite being rivals. Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant are the three faces of the league and will be fighting with each other to win championships in the next couple of seasons yet they played so well together. The United States often blew out their opponent and the two times they were challenged there was no panic. Bryant and Durant stepped aside and let James carry them home to the gold. That's what made this gold so special everyone on the roster for the most part knew their role and they perfected their role. This might be the last time NBA players play in the Olympics and if that is the case what a way for this group to go out. The United States for the second straight Olympics is the Gold Medal winner! For that I'm proud to be an American.

Observations:

- Kevin Durant established himself as one of the greatest scorers in basketball history with these Olympics. Even today when he was struggling he still scored 30 points and hit five three pointers. Durant score more points than any U.S. player in Olympics history scoring 156 points beating former Sonics great Spencer Haywood's record of 145 set in 1968. Durant also set the single tournament record for 34 three pointers.

In the Olympics Durant averaged 19.5 PPG and 5.8 RPG. He shot 48.5% from the field while making 34-65(52.3%) from three point range making 4.3 three pointers a game. He also made 24-27(88.9%) of his free throws. Durant who has won the last three scoring titles showed why he is a terrific shooter. Today he struggled and still shot 8-18(44.4%) from the field and made 9-10 of his free throws. He still made five three pointers. Durant who is the second best player in the NBA showed the entire world that when it's all said and done he will go down as the greatest scorer this game has ever seen.

- What a year for Chris Paul. Paul who was originally traded to the Los Angeles Lakers had the trade vetoed only to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers instead. Paul finished the year 3rd in the MVP race as the Clippers won only their second playoff series since moving to Los Angeles. Paul struggled though against Spain for most of the game then took over in the fourth quarter. He began the fourth quarter hitting a three pointer and went on a 5-0 run to give the United States a six point lead. After that run by Paul the game was never in doubt again. Then to end the game Paul ran down the clock then drove by the Spain defenders for a layup using all of the 24 second shot clock which clinched the victory for team USA. Paul finished with 11 points scoring eight of them in the fourth quarter. He hit two three pointers as he was a terrific shooter during these games.

For the Olympics Paul averaged 8.3 PPG, 5.1 APG and 2.5 steals per game. He shot 51.0% from the field and made 13-28(46.4%) of his three pointers good for 1.6 a game. Paul once again showed everyone why he is the best point guard in the league. Whenever this debate comes up I have never once back off my stance that it is Chris Paul. That is why when the game was on the line coach K had Paul running the point.

- I felt like with all the clutch scoring going on in the fourth quarter Kevin Love's defense is forgotten. Love did what defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler couldn't do which was slow down Pau Gasol. Gasol who was abusing the United States for the first three quarters finished with only one point in the fourth. Love finished the game scoring nine points while grabbing nine rebounds. Love throughout these Olympics showed he was the best big man on the roster.

Love during these Olympic games averaged 11.6 PPG and led the team with 7.6 RPG. He shot 63.0% from the field and made 8-22(36.4%) from three point range good for one full three pointer a game. Love is often forgotten about because he is stuck up in Minnesota. I think the whole nation now realizes how good Kevin Love is. If you aren't counting Lebron James as a power forward then clearly Kevin Love is the best power forward in the game. Love gave the United States a good big man who can rebound while also the ability to knock down the open shot. I think on a team full of stars years from Love's contributions to this team and in particular this win will be forgotten which is too bad. I don't think the United States wins the gold medal if not for Love stepping up the way he did during these games.

- The player who benefited the most from this games perception wise was Carmelo Anthony. Although Anthony only scored eight points and was held scoreless in the final three quarters his role in these games was huge. Anthony during these games averaged 16.3 PPG and 4.8 RPG in 17.8 minutes. He shot 53.5% from the field and made 23-46(50.0%) of his three pointers which was good for 2.88 three pointers a game. During these Olympics Anthony become the all-time three point shooter making 41 career three pointers. Anthony proved that he is still an elite player in this league and he can score with the best of them. After starting in 2008, he came off the bench during these games mainly due to Durant being a star now. Anthony constantly provided scoring off the bench and set a U.S. record with 37 points and 10 three pointers in only 14 minutes in the historic win over Nigeria. Anthony silenced a lot of his critics and hopefully this upcoming year he can lead the New York Knicks out of the first round.

- Kobe Bryant had a terrific week first with his Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dwight Howard, then seeing teammate Pau Gasol not traded then perform well these Olympics. To capping the week off with winning the Gold Medal. After struggling to start these Olympics Bryant started to show he still has plenty of game. In the fourth quarter Bryant had a huge put back and really played within the team game. Bryant scored 17 points on 5-10 shooting hitting three three pointers. There was no ego time for Bryant either he had no problem delegating the scoring to Lebron James or Kevin Durant.

During these Olympics Bryant averaged 12.1 PPG while shooting 42.9% from the field. Where he did most of his damage was beyond the arc where he shot 17-39(43.6%) from three point range making 2.1 three pointers a game. Bryant announced this was his final game for Team USA. For Bryant who joined the team in 2007 he never lost a game while wearing the team USA jersey. In an era when so many superstars didn't want to play for team USA he was the first guy who was in his prime to make playing for team USA cool again. Bryant really won over my respect during these games as he proved he can play a team game. He didn't let his ego get in the way either he may have said he is the best player on the team but he had no problem letting James take control of this team. For Bryant if he never plays an NBA game again he'll be one of the top 10 greatest players in NBA history. With the addition of Howard, Bryant has a chance to be top five all-time when all said and done.

- The players who have won NBA regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP and a gold medal in the same season are Michael Jordan and Lebron James. That is it folks that is the company James finds himself in. After a terrific 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists performance on 8-13 shooting James cemented his legacy. I would put James in the top 10 of all-time already and I have a feeling when he retires he'll be only behind Jordan. What a year James has had as he carried the Heat to the championship then carried team USA. In both close games it was James who carried the team down the stretch. James who was third on the team in scoring, second in rebounds and first in assists while playing center for a big chunk of minutes.

In these Olympics James averaged 13.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 5.6 APG. He shot an incredible 60.3% from the field while making 0.75 three pointers a game. He also had a 5.6 assist to turnover ratio. After the game James didn't want to talk about himself but instead how much this means to the United States. Like Anthony, James was on the 2004 team who took home the Bronze medal. James although he didn't play much experienced the pain of that tournament. In 2008 it was viewed as Kobe Bryant's team as he bailed out team USA in the fourth quarter vs Spain. While this year was the year of Lebron James and even his harshest critics have realized he is the best in the game. James grew up a lot this year which I wrote about after he had won his first NBA title . James right now is in his prime right now and there is nobody even close right now to challenging him for the best player in the game not even Kevin Durant. James during these games showed how versatile he can be in becoming the first American and only second Olympian to ever record a triple-double in a game. Like I wrote in that piece right now this is Lebron James league and he is finally mature enough to accept that responsibility.

- Despite not coaching a single player on this roster and being a career college coach every player on this team loves Coach K. When team USA was embarrassed in 2004 Jerry Colangelo knew the way team USA was built was broken. He hired coach K and they made this team full of all-stars into a team. The "redeem team" was made and most played during 2006 world games where they were upset to Greece to take third. In 2007 with the addition of Bryant the United States hasn't lost since. Coach K is 62-1 in international play as a coach and he was also an assistant on the 1992 Dream Team. He also won't be coaching team USA anymore.

He took over team USA when they were rock bottom and has now put them at their rightful spot at the top. The graduate of West Point and coaching legend at Duke University made America proud again. He did a great job of managing the ego's of this team and making everyone buy into the team aspect. I don't think that he got enough credit for that. Durant, Bryant and James are all alpha dogs and the best in the game yet they played so well together. In 2008 there was no problem either as he had a superstar Dwyane Wade come off the bench or these Olympics Anthony who started in 2006-08 come off the bench. Coach K truly is the straw that stirs the drink for team USA and replacing him is going to be a tough decision. One thing is for sure he may not have coach any of these guys in college but you couldn't tell one bit. Just shows how highly respected he is and how much this team enjoys basketball. This might not be the greatest team ever assembled but man was this the funnest team to watch since the 1992 team. Coach K took the Herb Brooks attitude of "I don't want the best players but I want the right players" which is what this team was all about thanks to coach K.

This was a terrific win for the United States seeing them win the Gold once again. A roster full of millionaires who have plenty of accomplishments seeing them so joyful over this Gold Medal was truly refreshing to see. See rivals James, Bryant and Durant play so well together on the court was nice to see. There was no ego's on this team and everyone appeared to have known their role. This is why I was so glued to watching these games and loved every minute of it. This is why despite being up only one point heading into the fourth quarter I didn't panic. Neither did these guys as nobody tried to carry the team themselves. It was a collective effort from Chris Paul, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Love. While Carmelo Anthony had contributed all Olympics as well as Deron Williams. The game ended with Anthony Davis grabbing the rebound as he became the youngest guy to ever win an Olympic Gold medal. As a freshman he was college basketball player of the year, won a national championship, was #1 pick overall in the NBA Drat and now has a gold medal. This experience alone will help make Davis a star in this league someday as he'll probably start at center for the 2016 version. This win was so special and I can't say enough for how I felt as a basketball fan watching these Olympics. This current group of players is why the NBA is so interesting today. It really is hard to hate basketball after watching these Olympics. I'm proud to be an American as the United States once again is the Gold Medal champs!

Carmelo leads USA to historic 156-73 victory over Nigeria

By Kshell

Carmelo Anthony led a historic victory for Team USA as they re-wrote the history books with their 156-73 victory over Nigeria. Team USA set a record for points scored in a game with 156 points which beat out the previous record set by Brazil in the 1988 Olympics. Team USA set a record for margin of victory which was 83 points which was previously set by the United States in 1956 when they defeated Thailand by 73 points. Carmelo Anthony also set the team USA record for most points scoring 37 points beating out former New York Knick Stephon Marbury who scored 31 in a 2004 game. Anthony scored 34 of his 37 points in the first half on 13-16 shooting including an astonishing 10-12 from three point range. He also only played 14:29 out of a possible 40 minutes. Anthony showed why at one time he was in the same conversation with Lebron James when both entered the league back in 2003-04 season. Team USA set the tone that they can destroy their opponent even if Lebron James and Kobe Bryant the two most popular faces of the team  each played under 11 minutes in the game. All 12 guys on the U.S. team scored and five scored in double figures led by Anthony dropping 37. Russell Westbrook also scored 21 points on seven for eight shooting. As a team the U.S. made 29-46(63.0%) from three point range while dishing out 41 assists to only seven turnovers. This was the most dominant effort anyone has ever seen even more dominant than the mighty 1992 "Dream Team".

The rout was on in the first half as the United States jumped out to a 13-0 lead before Nigeria could blink. Team USA at one point led by 27 points in the first quarter as they led after one quarter 49-25 which is impressive. Even more impressive is the fact there are only 10 minute quarters. Kobe Bryant who hasn't played much led the charge in the first half scoring all 16 of his points. Then Anthony came into the game drilling one three pointer after another finishing the half with 34 points. The whole team did in fact making 11 of their first 14 three point attempts(78.6%). Team USA slowed down a bit in the second quarter by their standards outscoring Nigeria 29-20 to lead 78-45 at halftime. Nigeria had no match for team USA who was clicking on all cylinders. Kevin Durant came out hot in the first half as he ended up finishing with 14 points in only 16 minutes. For most of the starters they weren't going to play much in the second half. Usually when a coach doesn't play his starters there is a huge drop off but when you have Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul coming off your bench do you really have that much of a drop of? Team USA didn't let up one bit in the second half and were set out to make a big statement.

Team USA put the blowout touch on the game outscoring Nigeria 41-17 in the third quarter. Then finished the game outscoring Nigeria 37-11 to win 156-73 as Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony spent much of the second half watching the blowout. For the U.S. they finished the game shooting 59-83(71.1%) from the field, 29-46(63.0%) from three point range with 41 assists to just seven turnovers. The only bright spot for Nigeria was former Pac-10 player of the yea Ike Diogu scoring 27 points on 11-17 shooting with seven rebounds. The United States was led by Carmelo Anthony scoring 37 points on 13-16 shooting making 10-12 three pointers in only 14 minutes. Russell Westbrook came off the bench to score 21 points on seven for eight shooting making three for four from three point range. Kobe Bryant scored 16 points on six for eight shooting making both three pointers in only 10 minutes. Kevin Love scored 15 points on six for nine shooting with three three pointers and six rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 14 points on five for nine shooting including four three pointers and six assists. Deron Williams added a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists on five for six shooting including two three pointers. Anthony Davis who didn't have his jersey in the first half scored all nine of his points in the second half on four for four shooting including six rebounds. Andre Iguodala  scored nine points making all three three point attempts. James Harden scored seven points while Chris Paul added seven points and seven assists. Lebron James only played 10 minutes finished with six points on three for five shooting with five assists. Not many Olympic squads can score 105 points which is what the United States bench did today led by Anthony and Westbrook.

Team USA made a statement to the rest of the world which is that the 2004 embarrassment is in the rear view mirror. This team is dominant much like the 1992 Dream Team and this team like that team will be legendary for years to come. That 1992 team has 11 guys in the NBA Hall of Fame but who knows how many this team is going to have. Right now you'd say Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are locks. Good chance Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant make it. I wouldn't be surprised if Anthony Davis, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook make it. So right there I just named nine guys and two of the three I didn't name are still very young so there is room in their game to grow. This team is showing these Olympics they can blow out their opponents but unlike 1992 they are destroying other countries who have NBA players. Even this team featured Diogu who was in the NBA and former Sonic big man Olumide Oyedeji.  I'm sure the message the United States has been sending has been heard throughout the world which is this is the best team that the best country in basketball has assembled since the 1992 team.

Observations:

- Now I'm already reading articles saying Coach K showed poor sportsmanship in running up the score. I think first of all running up the score is a ridiculous claim when dealing with professionals as that isn't coach K's job to also coach the other team. I also don't think Coach K was trying to run up the score when Kobe Bryant played 10 minutes, Lebron James played 10 minutes, Kevin Durant played 16 minutes and Carmelo Anthony played 14 minutes.

Coach K has no choice but to play studs since the worst player on Team USA would be the best player for almost every country in this tournament. Also where was this talk during 1992 and 1996? The only players to play more than 20 minutes were reserves who in a close game might not get a chance to play. This team is very deep and loaded and the last two games the bench has been carrying the United States. In the previous game Coach K actually started the second half with his five reserves as they turned a 13 point lead into a 47 point blowout win. I think for American writers to make such a ridiculous claim is complete bogus and simply not fair to coach K.

- Kevin Durant is continuing his great play in these Olympic games scoring 14 points in only 16 minutes of play. What was most impressive for Durant was the fact he dished out six assists showing another side of him. In a victory over France he grabbed nine rebounds. Like in 2008 when James saw how Bryant was a complete player who played defense also I think the same is happening to Durant. Durant witnessed in the Finals the greatness of Lebron James and how James can beat you in so many different ways. Although Durant averaged over 30 a game in the Finals he didn't do much of anything else to help his team win. Perhaps this upcoming season Durant will become more of a complete player who can beat you with his passing and his rebounding.

 Durant will always be a deadly shooter as he made four three pointers while only playing 16 minutes.  For James and Bryant they have their rings so this is Durant's time to shine. In these Olympics in three games Durant is averaging 16.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 4.3 APG. Last game he scored 14 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. Durant is starting to evolve as a complete basketball player which is scary for the world and in a couple of months will be scary for his teammates once NBA play resumes.

- For Kobe Bryant his role has changed from 2008. In 2008 he was the face of the team as Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard were too young. Now Lebron James is the best player and Kevin Durant is the second best player. Just like that the young kid is now the oldest player on the team. For Bryant he hasn't played much in these games as coach K has done his best to rest both him and James. This game Bryant showed that he still has game scoring 16 points on six for eight shooting making two three pointers. Bryant also had three rebounds, two assists and two steals in only 10 minutes. Bryant set the tone early which the starters have done a poor job of doing the first two games so that he wouldn't have to play much in the second half.

Bryant along with James is the only players on this roster who have won an NBA championship. In key games team USA will be counting on those two to provide that championship leadership down the stretch. Bryant in 2008 led the team in assists and in the gold medal game vs Spain bailed the team out down the stretch. He is coach K's ace up his sleeve along with James and hopefully unlike 2008 we never have to see them put on the superman cape. Bryant did show today that if need be he can still wear that cape and come to the rescue.

- In the 2003 NBA draft you saw Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade highlight that star loaded class. Wade won his first championship in 2006 giving him the edge well this past year Bosh and James joined him in winning a title leaving only Anthony. Anthony who demanded a trade to New York has won one playoff game in the last two years and has advanced past the first round just once in his nine year career. A lot of fans and experts have been down on Anthony and doubting his ability. For Anthony these Olympics mean more to him than it does Bryant, James or even Durant. This is his chance to prove that yes he is still an elite player in this game.

Today Anthony displayed some of the best individual basketball you'll ever see. He scored 37 points in only 14 minutes while shooting 13-16(81.2%) from the field and 10-12(83.3%) from three point range. He scored 34 points in the first half alone. Had coach K allowed him to he could have challenged for 100 points.  Anthony during these games was sent to the bench in favor of rising star Kevin Durant but he is making the most of this. Anthony is still one of the games best scorers as he can beat you in the post up game or beat you with his three point shot. Anthony has great talent but can't seem to put it together. Last time he went to the Olympics that following year he advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the only time in his career. Anthony is a great talent which he showed today hopefully for fans of the game he uses this as a launching point for his already all-star career to join the elite status of Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.

Those questioning this team sure were silent today. Now I'm sure critics will bring up how the team they played wasn't very talented but neither was any team the 1992 Dream Team played. The most ridiculous statement wasn't Kobe Bryant or Lebron James saying this team would beat the 1992 team. The most ridiculous statement was everyone laughing it off like it couldn't happen and Scottie Pippen saying the 1992 team would win by 25 points. This team could compete with that 1992 team and with a healthy Dwight Howard I would possibly take this current team. Unlike 2008 I'd be very surprised if this team is pushed during these olympics. They have so many weapons that can beat you and just so much firepower. This team is built for international play as the NBA has evolved into that style. Guys like James and Anthony along with Durant can play power forward. Today coach K had Russell Westbrook running a point forward at small forward as this team has no small guys. They are all athletic guys who can play multiple positions on the court and make life very miserable for their opposition. Just like Barcelona, Spain received a huge treat watching the 1992 team London, England is getting that treat now. Team USA has the best players in the world playing on their team and tonight they proved it that they can run a team out of the gym with Bryant and James hardly playing. This team is determined to be a legendary squad and as time goes on we'll look back at this team to realize how truly great this team was.

Breaking down 2012 vs 1992 dream team: Who wins?

By Kshell

This past week Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant made the controversial statement that this 2012 U.S. men's olympic basketball team could defeat the vaunted 1992 "Dream Team" which featured 11 NBA hall of famers and became the first team inducted into the basketball hall of fame. That statement of course caused some back lash from the 1992 members in particular Michael Jordan who found the comments laughable and Scottie Pippen who said the 1992 team would defeat this team by 25 points. In this upcoming post I'll break down the teams and give some perspective of how the players were at the time of the games. I actually think this hypothetical game would be a lot closer than many want to believe. What is hurting the 2012 team is the fact the 1992 team was so dominant, has some legendary names, everything in the past is viewed as being better than the present and more importantly injuries. The 2012 team is without Dwight Howard(6-time all-star, 3-time defensive player of the year, 5-time first-team all-nba, 4-time first-team all defensive) , Derrick Rose(NBA MVP, Rookie of the year, 3-time all-star, first-team all NBA), Dwyane Wade(8-time all-star, NBA Finals MVP, all-star game MVP, 2-time first-team all-nba) and Chris Bosh(7-time all-star). Howard, Wade, and Bosh all helped team USA win Olympic gold in 2008 while Rose helped team USA win the World Championships in 2010. If those four were on this current team that would make the game interesting and I'd maybe take the 2012 team to win. Now that we have established those guys aren't on the team we'll still break down both rosters.

This current squad I'll break it down by how I'd have the starting lineup. At point guard you'd have Chris Paul who just made the all-star team this year, was first-team all-nba and first-team all defensive. He also finished third in the MVP vote. In his career he has made five all-star games, won the rookie of the year, been selected first-team all defensive twice and been selected first-team all-nba twice. At shooting guard you'd have Kobe Bryant who also made the all-star team, was selected first-team all-NBA, second-team all defensive and finished 4th in the MVP race. In his career Bryant has been named to 14 all-star games, has won the MVP award, was NBA Finals MVP twice during his five NBA championships. He has been all-star game MVP four times, been selected first-team all-NBA 10 times, first-team all defensive team nine times and has won two scoring titles. At small forward I'd go with Kevin Durant who also made the all-star team, was selected first-team all-NBA, was All-Star game MVP, won another scoring title and was 2nd in the MVP race. Durant has made three all-star games, won three scoring titles, won the Rookie of the Year and was first-team all-NBA three times. Then at power forward I'd start Lebron James who is in his prime right now coming off an all-star game appearance, winning another MVP award, finally winning his first NBA championship where he was finals MVP, was named first-team all-NBA and first-team all defensive team as well. For his career James has been selected to eight all-star games, won the rookie of the year, has been a three-time MVP selection, two-time all-star game MVP, six-time first-team all-nba, and four-time first-team defensive selection. Rounding out my five would be center Kevin Love(remember no Howard) who made the all-star game this past year and was second-team all-nba. He has been to two all-star games and won most improved player.

I think the 2012 starting five can stack up with the 1992 starting five if not be better than the 1992 starting five. The problem is the bench for 2012 isn't very deep at all. The bench consists of forward Carmelo Anthony who made the all-star game this past year and was selected third-team all-nba. He has made five all-star games in his career. Center Tyson Chandler who is actually starting in these games just won the NBA defensive player of the year award and was second-team all defensive this past year. He was also third-team all-NBA. He also won a championship the year prior with the Dallas Mavericks as their starting center. Point guard Deron Williams is coming off of another all-star game appearance and is a three-time all-star. Russell Westbrook was an all-star and named second-team all-NBA this past year in helping lead OKC to the NBA finals. He has made two all-star games so far in his brief career. Teammate guard/forward James Harden also made the team and just won the sixth man of the year award. Andre Iguoudala was just selected to his first all-star game this past season. Recently dropping out was forward Blake Griffin who made the all-star team for the second straight year and was selected second-team all-NBA. He also won the rookie of the year award last season. Taking his spot is #1 pick overall from national champion Kentucky Wildcats Anthony Davis who just won the college basketball player of the year award.

Now the 1992 squad which features 11 hall of famers has a pretty hefty resume as well. I'm only going to mention their resume as of 1992 so keep in mind these numbers are from then. At point guard I'd start Magic Johnson who didn't play the previous season due to being HIV positive. He did however win the all-star game MVP in 1992. In his career he was selected to 12 all-star games, won the MVP award three times, won Finals MVP three times as he won five championships, was all-star game MVP twice and selected first-team all-NBA nine times. At shooting guard I have Michael Jordan who was in his prime. Jordan was selected to the all-star game, won another MVP award, another scoring title, won another Finals MVP, was first-team all-nba once again and first-team all defensive once again. His career up until that point saw him go to eight all-star games, win the rookie of the year, win three MVP's, win two Finals MVP's as he had won two titles, all-star game MVP, defensive player of the year, six scoring titles, six-time all-nba first-team, five-time all defensive team first team. At small forward I'd start Clyde Drexler who was an all-star, was selected first-team all-NBA leading the Blazers to their second NBA finals in three years, and he finished second in the MVP race that season. Drexler was a six-time all-star and was first-team all-nba once. At power forward I'd start Karl Malone who was an all-star, first-team all-NBA and finished 4th in the MVP voting. Malone was a five-time all-star, all-star game MVP and been first-team all-nba four times. At center the 1992 squad would start David Robinson who was selected to the all-star team, was first-team all-nba, first-team all defensive team, defensive player of the year and finished 3rd in the MVP race heading into the Olympic games. For his career he had been selected to three all-star games, won rookie of the year, won defensive player of the year, was twice selected first-team all-nba and all defensive team.

This is where the 1992 team would have the major edge is the bench production as they have some real fire power off the bench. Leading the bench would be Charles Barkley who was selected to the all-star game, was second-team all-nba. Barkley was a six-time all-star, all-star game MVP and four times selected first-team all-nba. Scottie Pippen was also an all-star, was second-team all-nba, first-team all defensive team. Pippen had won two NBA titles with the Bulls and had made two all-star games. At center they also had Patrick Ewing who was selected to the all-star team, was second team all-nba and all defensive team. He also finished fifth in the NBA voting. At forward Larry Bird who was an all-star but had only played in 45 games. Bird was a 12-time all-star, rookie of the year, won three straight MVP awards, two-time finals MVP as he won three titles, all-star game MVP and was selected first-team all-NBA nine times. Forward Chris Mullin had his best season as he was selected to the all-star team and was first-team all-nba finishing sixth in the MVP vote. He was also a four-time all-star in his career. John Stockton was an all-star that year as he was selected second team all-nba and all defense. He was a four-time all-star. The final selection was college star Christian Laettner from Duke who was the college basketball player of the year as he led the Duke Blue Devils to their second straight national championship.

The 1992 team has a deeper roster and the greatest player to have ever played the game in his prime in Michael Jordan. So how does the 2012 team even compete? Well I think the 2012 team has the next three best players in  Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant on their roster. In the case of James and Durant there is nobody who can guard either one as they are freaks of the game. Durant is a 6'10" forward who can bomb three's away from anywhere on the court, while Lebron James is a 6'8" 240 lb guy who averages 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists for his career. As for Bryant he is still make first-team all-nba selections and has missed only two all-star games in his career which was his rookie season and 1999 which was cancelled due to a players strike. Under my lineup for now Magic who was retired would have to cover Chris Paul who is quick which always gave Magic problems, Jordan would be able to lock up Bryant but Bryant led the 2008 Olympics in assists so he'd realize that. Drexler who was never known for his defense would be forced to guard Durant which would spell trouble for the 1992 squad while Malone would have to guard James. James is at the point in his career like Jordan was where you can't guard him. Even Robinson would have trouble with Love who is a perimeter center. The 1992 team was never challenged so we never saw their weaknesses but covering this athletic perimeter team of the 2012 squad would give them trouble.

Eventually the 1992 team would have to make a counter move which would be to swap Magic out for Pippen and swap Drexler out for Barkley. Have Pippen run the point forward. Sure Durant will still go off but now you put the 2012 team in a hole that forces them to pull Chris Paul as he has nobody he can guard. Who is Durant going to guard? Barkley or Malone? Good luck there. Who is going to guard David Robinson who is just entering  his prime? If 2012 puts in Chandler to guard him then 92' can float Robinson as Chandler isn't a threat to score. Even though Bird and Magic were just names at that point with Stockton out due to a broken leg the 92' team was deeper. I have yet to even mention Mullin who was first-team all-nba that year or Patrick Ewing who was also in his prime. Ewing who I believe is better than Dwight Howard and I know David Robinson is. The 12' team could hang with the 92' team but I see the 92' team pulling away as the game progresses with their depth and winning by 10-15 points.

Two things in my life as a sports fan I just barely missed out on due to my age(born in 1985) that I regret. One was the 1991 Washington Huskies national championship team. I would have loved to have enjoyed that season live as it happened. The other is the 1992 Dream Team which changed basketball forever as the world saw first hand the greatness of men's basketball. Due to those games guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, both Gasol brothers and Serge Ibaka have grown to love the game of basketball. There will never be a dream team in our lifetime ever again as these guys were all all-stars that season. The 1992 team had the star power that this team has as well but it's not the same. If Howard, Wade, Bosh and Rose were healthy then this 2012 team could compete and perhaps even win. Since they don't the 1992 team would win the game. I learned back in 1998 as well never bet against Michael Jordan especially a Jordan in his prime. This 2012 team should start worrying more about Spain and France as there is no guarantee this team will win the gold. While the 1992 team won the gold the minute their plane landed in Barcelona, Spain.