US Basketball Team Defeated China Behind Overwhelming Crowd

The United States Olympic basketball team played China in the most awaited events in the Olympic Games beating the host country 101-70. The US basketball team were always expected to win. Among the spectators was President George Bush who took a surprise lead thanks to 7ft 6in Yao Ming, who plays for Houston Rockets.

The American class showed in the end with Dwayne Wade scoring 19 points.

To the great excitement of the crowd, the Chinese stayed with their illustrious opponents until well into the third quarter as the Americans missed a string of chances and limped to a 49-37 half-time lead.

However, with LeBron James scoring 18 points and Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard both contributing 13, the Americans eased clear of a tiring Chinese team.

More than a billion people were estimated to have seen the game on television.

US coach Mike Krzyzewski said: "More people were supposed to be watching this game than any other in basketball history, and we treated that as a great honor. Both teams responded to the magnitude of the event."

Yao, who scored 13 points, said: "It was a great game played in a fantastic atmosphere, with all the flags and cheering. Everyone was very proud."

Defending champions Argentina stumbled to a 79-75 loss to Lithuania despite 19 points from San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobli.

European champions Russia beat Iran 71-49 while Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points as Germany overwhelmed Angola 95-66.

FYI - 2008 Beijing Olympic Sports