After some stressful moments, the United States accomplishes its mission, finally putting away Spain, 118-107, to win the men's basketball gold medal.
Several quick buckets by Spain forced Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski to take an immediate timeout. Out of the time out, Kobe Bryant forced home a driving runner and a Deron Williams three pushed the lead back up to seven.
Bryant took over the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points to lift a U.S. squad dubbed the Redeem Team as it sought redemption for the international disappointments of the Athens Games and the FIBA World Championship.
Spain bore no resemblance to the team that lost to the United States by 37 points earlier in this tournament, coming out strong early and never allowing the U.S. to go on its familiar extended run.
Rudy Fernandez keyed the Spaniards for most of the game but fouled out with 3:06 remaining after hitting Bryant before he sank a deep three which sent Bryant to the line to complete a four-point play.
What looked to possibly be a nail-in-the-coffin moment for Spain was quickly erased as Spain, who proved resilient all game, came back on the other end to get within four points.
Dwyane Wade answered for the United States, hitting a three pointer of his own, to give the U.S. a seven-point advantage, a lead Team USA would not relinquish.
With 26.1 seconds remaining and the United States ahead, Spain lost its composure, getting called for a personal foul, a flagrant foul and a technical foul all in one possession.
Bryant made two shots and Chris Paul, the team's best free throw shooter during the tournament, made one of two.
