Watching the Redeem Team vs. Spain for the Gold!

12:00 AM So its been a busy couple of days, which intend to blog about...but I'm hooked on my this basketball game! I kinda expected and wanted the US to run away with it, but I'm glad its a close game and it is forcing the US to play their best, which I believe they have done most of this tournament. They didn't just expect to show up and win anymore but really are out to regain the title. Into the 2nd quarter now and the US is up by 12. More to come later.

12:15 AM I've enjoyed watching players from Spain that I've never heard of, like Ricky Rubio and Paul Gasol's larger brother Marc. They got an early lead on the US in the first quarter. The US is having some foul trouble, like Kobe and Lebron both getting 2 fouls in the first 5 minutes. Wow, Lebron just made a great move to the bucket in transition from a turnover. They've had quite a few of those with big, crowd-pleasing dunks.

12:16 AM The US is really relying on the 3 pointer a lot. They've hit 7 of 10 so far, when they average about 30% in this tournament. Its good to see them play more as a team. In the NBA, too often its a one on one game, or some guy will just throw up a three for no reason. I like the team game more...constant movement, pick and rolls, great assists, movement without the ball, fighting for rebounds and putbacks...that's my game and thats the way most international teams play ball and thats exactly how the US lost 4 years ago (playing great individuals against great teams)...and thats how they are winning (great individuals playing as a team).

12:20 AM Halftime and the US is up by only 8, their smallest lead at half in the tourney. The are shooting about 85%, which is great, but giving up way too many points. The have been winning with a stifling defense that creates turnovers or forces bad shots, but not in the first half of this game. Too many stupid of petty fouls and second shots have kept Spain in the game.

1:00 AM End of third quarter and I'm dissapointed in the US. They aren't playing poorly, but they still have a 9 point lead. I hope they step it up for this final quarter. Spain's zone defense has been stiffling the US, who settles for three pointers too often. Funny side note, right before the commercial break they played a tune they usually play for NBA songs instead of the olympic fanfare tune. Spain is really playing a great game. One of their guys has had some great floaters and they are playing great team defense.

1:01 AM Case in point: Kobe throws up an pointless 3 and misses. Then on D, he doesn't cover on a pick and roll and Pau Gasol throws down an alley oop. Then Melo throws up another stupid 3, so Spain comes down and nails a three: 2 point game. Come on guys...

1:07 AM They're playing better. Kobe had 3 great plays on offense, but just had a lazy defensive play and Fernandez got past him and someone had to foul him as he threw down a sick dunk! 8 point game with 4:30 left.

1:13 AM Kobe just knocked down a 3 and got fouled with 3:10 left! A huge shot. Also, it fouled Rudy Fernandez out of the game...which is huge.

1:15 AM Kobe throws up another stupid, stupid three pointer. So frustrating. It lead to a Spain bucket and then a Spain 3 pointer to pull it within 4. Wade hit a 3 and pushed it to 7. Too much reliance on 3 pointers and poor defense.

1:17 AM The Spanish point gaurd is only 17! He is playing pretty clutch. 8 point game with 1 minute left. Some big defensive rebounds for US the last 2 possessions. Looks like fouls from here on out.

1:22 AM Looks like the US is gonna win. 26 seconds left. Its really cool seeing all these NBA stars play together and be friends. Spain just got an unsportsmanlike foul and a Technical.

1:25 AM The USA wins! Hugs everywhere and the redeem team has achieved their goal. Chants of USA...its good to be on top of the world again! Huge props to Spain who gave them the biggest challenge and the US responded. They're jumping and cheering like a bunch of kids. Its good to see genuine joy and pride for their team and country. Coach K smiled! He doesn't do that much. I'd love to meet that guy. Such a class act. Keep an eye out for Marc Gasol, Pau's little bigger brother whose nickname is "The Tank". "Marc the tank, marc the tank...!" Ok, its late but totally worth watching. Night loyal blog readers (aka, mom).