Kobe Bryant of the US dunks the ball during Men's Gold Medal Game- Game 76 between Spain and the United States of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games basketball event at Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. The US beat Spain and won the gold medal of the event. [Xinhua Photo]

"It is more important and more special than any championship that any of us will ever win," he added.

Wade, who had 12 points in the first 10 minutes, missed an opportunity to make it a 40-point first quarter when he stole for the second time for an apparent dunk. But he lost the control of the ball on his way to the basket when the clock clicked off.

Both teams shot their perfect match as the scoreline in the first half was 69-61 to the US. The US bettered off with eight 3-pointers, three from Wade, when each team shot above 60 percent in the field with identical 14 baskets.