BEIJING — It wasn’t easy but the United States men’s basketball team outlasted Spain here Sunday to win gold, 118-107.
The “Redeem Team” – formed in the aftermath of the U.S. embarrassment in the 2004 Games — led the entire game but Spain closed to within 91-89 early in the fourth quarter.
Kobe Bryant’s four-point play with 3:10 left put the U.S. up by seven, but Spain cut the margin to four with 2:30 remaining before the Americans pulled away.
Dwyane Wade also helped keep Spain at arm’s length with several tough clutch shots. Wade led Team USA with 27 points, while Bryant had 20 and LeBron James 14.
The Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony contributed 13 points but sat out most of the final period when Wade got the call in his place.
Both teams had trouble defending in a fast-paced, foul-plagued game in which each team shot over 50 percent.
