This game is easily one of the greatest games I've ever seen in my life in all of sports. Both of these teams showed the poise to win the game but in the end there can only be one standing. Even though Spain suffered a disappointing loss they should not be ashamed of themselves at all. They demonstrated to the world how its like to play as a team. Even though they loss their still champions in my eyes.
Its obvious that USA has the most talented players in the world along with the best in the world with
Kobe Bryant. But talent does not win championships, team work and intelligence does.
USA answered my question down the stretch today when it got tough for them down the stretch:
Who is going to take over the game?
USA has three of the best players in the world. Which are Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and
Kobe Bryant. I felt that these three players were going to have a problem working together when they handle a little of adversity. They proved me wrong. All of the three players knew what was gonna happen if this situation came up. The answer was give the ball to
Kobe Bryant. Lebron and Wade understand that when it comes to the biggest moments nobody wants to capture the moment like Kobe does.
They understood
Kobe Bryant is obviously the more experienced player with the 3 rings and big games hes played before. I applaud the two (Wade & Lebron) for that. When the game starting to get a little out of hand with a little come back by Spain who else but
Kobe Bryant took over the game. He chipped in 13 of his 22 points in the 4th and found the open man for the assist when needed. The biggest dagger was when Kobe hit the and one three pointer to push the lead further from Spain's reach. With Kobe's heroics USA captured the gold from a great team like Spain. He was truly the MVP of the game and showed why hes the best in the world on the biggest stage.
The USA players proved that great talents can play together and win as a team. This team was built to players who were committed on playing team basketball and showing that Americans can win showing respect on and off the court. This team meshed together beautifully and accepted their roles on the team. This is why the 08 Redeem Team is the second greatest team ever assembled behind the 92 Barcelona Dream Team.
My Grade For Team USA: A
They were the team that showed the most hunger, focus, class, and dedication since day 1. That grade goes from the coaching staff down to the players. They beat every team with class while capturing their own fan base in China. Even though the majority are just plain Kobe fans. USA did everything they were supposed to do in the Olympics.
MVP of The Olympics: Dwayne Wade
He proved to everybody that when hes healthy hes one of the best players out there. He is the second most skilled player in the world when healthy. He was the teams leader off the bench and showed why. He shot a high percentage, took smart shots, made the right pass, and showed his ability's on the defense end. Ladies and gentlemen Dwayne Wade is officially back from his injury. I'm very happy to see the young fella succeed.
Biggest Surprise:
Chris BoshI've been harsh on the kid because I dont feel hes playing at full potential when he really can. He impressed me a lot these Olympics backing up
Dwight Howard. I honestly feel that you can argue that Bosh had a better Olympics than Howard. If Bosh were in Howard's body he would be starting for team USA. Bosh posses a better shot from mid range and the free throw line and he has better post moves than Howard. However dont read me wrong. Howard did a good job these Olympics. I still tink hes the best Center in the league but he still has a lot of work to do on his game.
Yao Ming would easily be better than Howard if he would learn how to be more aggressive during the game.
Best Help Defender: Lebron James
He did a superb job on locking up the paint with his shot blocking abilities. He played good defense in transition as well as in the half court set. He showed me that he can be a great defensive anchor in this league along with
Kevin Garnett despite his length. His incredible athleticism makes up for it.
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For those who hate on the best player in the league heres a little something:
Q: Dan Patrick.."Larry which player in the current league could start in the Olympic 92 DREAM TEAM"?
A: Larry Bird "Kobe could start for the 1992 Olympic Dream team, I love watching
Kobe Bryant play".
Q: Dan Patrick "Where are you going to put Michael though"
A: Larry Bird "Move him to PF, Kobe can take my spot"
Other stuff he said:
Larry Bird: "Kobe is best in the world"
He will pay to see Kobe playing, and Kobe is the closest player to Jordan in terms of Skills and talents. He respects how Kobe prepares for the games and how hard he works in the off season to improve.
That right there pretty much sums up why I think Kobes head and shoulders above everybody else.
Original Story:
a NBA article:
