London 2012 Olympics: Spain run US close, but big names seal victory

Published on 13/08/2012 00:00

BASKETBALL: The United States overcame some fierce resistance from Spain to land their fifth basketball gold in the six Olympic Games since the start of the “Dream Team” era.

The 107-100 final scoreline was the closest final since the Soviet Union beat the Americans 51-50 40 years ago, and the second closest in Olympic history.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points to lead the Americans while LeBron James had 19 and Kobe Bryant 17.

If a crowd that included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Boris Johnson, David Beckham and Henry Kissinger – as well as members of the Spanish royal family – thought the US would put on a clinic against a Spain team who have not always fired in London, they had another think coming. Late on the US lead was as low as four. But when James nailed a three they were up 102-93. Chris Paul’s lay-up settled it 50 seconds from time as the gap grew to 11, and US coach Mike Krzyzewski responded with a mass of substitutions as James and Bryant led the celebrations.