This was refreshing.

After a first quarter where Team USA looked uptight, tentative and outmuscled, the second quarter brought out of the best from the most talented players in the world and it was a beautiful thing. Highlighted by this steal from Dwyane Wade and a perfect alley-oop pass to Kobe Bryant, the Redeem Team cruised to a 92-69 victory.

I've reiterated that while this 2008 team has the most talented NBA stars since the 1992 Dream Team, there should be no comparisons made whatsoever. That said, this is most entertaining and well played game by Team USA since the days of Magic, MJ and Bird.

There's little surprise that USA kicked it in gear around the same time Dwyane Wade entered the contest. Wade, once again, provided production everywhere on court. 17 points, 6 steals 5 assists. He's the best player in the world, at least during these Olympic Games.

Kobe Bryant added 18 points with a few more spectacular dunks. Chris Bosh was a nice surprise, roughing it up with the Greek bigs for 18 points. Lebron James used his size to grab 8 rebounds, and finished with 13 points.

All in all, it was a very well played game against a team that has fooled them two matchups in a row. Perhaps the most enjoyable sight was watching Coach K get as fired about as anyone in the building. He knows he was outcoached two years ago, and wasn't going to let that happen again.

More highlights and thoughts later, if the YouTubes allow.

USA 92, Greece 69 Boxscore