Some of the NBA’s biggest stars were shining 14 years ago at the 2008 Olympics.
Team USA had a lot to prove in the Beijing Olympics.
That is because just four years before, the team actually only earned the bronze medal after a semifinal loss to Manu Ginobili and Team Argentina.
This just didn’t sit well with basketball fans across America.
Therefore, Team USA decided to go all-out in 2008.
They created a team that featured Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, and others.
This team, called the “Redeem Team”, came storming into the Olympics and ended up slaying the competition and walking away with the gold medal once again.
All these years later, this team is thought of as a great example of the power and skill within the NBA.
Redeem Team Rises
Team USA wanted to assemble a squad that was practically impossible to beat.
They didn’t just want to win the gold medal, they wanted to downright embarrass the competition.
Their most impressive game was their last one against Spain, as both teams battled for the gold medal.
Bryant was a force to be reckoned with during that game and put on a clinic towards the end.
With over three minutes left, Bryant sank a killer three-pointer while drawing a foul as well, creating a four-point play.
This would help the team grow their lead to 9.
In the end, Bryant had 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists in 27 minutes, shooting 50% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the three-point line.
All these years later people are celebrating that final game, especially since the anniversary happens to fall on 8/24, known as Mamba Day to millions.