Kobe Bryant of the US reacts on the awarding ceremony of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games men's basketball event at Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. The US beat Spain 118-107 and won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua Photo)

They never let the Americans pull away and had a couple of chances to level the game when they cut the lead down to four points several times down the stretch.

"We had a game plan and they countered on it. Every possession counted," LeBrone James said. "I'm happy that the US basketball is back to the top of the world."