US beats Spain as China knocks off Germany in Olympic basketball

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — A US team of NBA All Stars made easy work of defeating Spain in a 119-82 victory as the reigning world champions suffered their first defeat here Saturday in the Beijing Olympic basketball tournament.

This victory left the United States one win away from topping Group B, something they will achieve if they later beat a German team that was all but knocked out of medal contention with a 59-55 loss to China.

The Americans used their signature blanket defense and a high powered offense to put the game away early in the second quarter, going up by 20 points with a balanced attack based on an array of fast break dunks and savvy outside shooting.

"I was really pleased with our effort," US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

"I liked our defense,...