The last time Team USA lost the Olympic gold in men's basketball

Twenty years ago in Athens, Argentina won the Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball. 

It was the last time the gold medal was not won by USA as Argentina went against Italy in the finals.

The Americans, meanwhile, finished with a bronze medal.

Here’s a quick recap of what happened.

Composition

• Allen Iverson
• Stephon Marbury
• Dwyane Wade
• Carlos Boozer
• Carmelo Anthony
• LeBron James
• Emeka Okafor
• Shawn Marion
• Amar'e Stoudemire
• Tim Duncan
• Lamar Odom
• Richard Jefferson

Head coach: Larry Brown

Preliminary round

As if it was already a sign, the United States lost its first game against Puerto Rico, 92-73.

It then bounced back against host Greece (77-71) and Australia (89-79). However, against Lithuania, the United States lost 94-90.

Team USA wrapped its campaign in the group stage with an 89-53 demolition of Angola.

Playoffs

Dreaming of a gold medal, the United States defeated Spain, 102-94, in the quarterfinals.

However, in the semis, eventual champions Argentina, which has the likes of Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola, defeated the United States, 89-81.

Denied of a slot in the gold medal match, the United States vented their ire on Lithuania, 104-96, in the bronze medal game.

After that, the United States formed the ‘Redeem Team’ for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and the rest is history.

Now, USA is eyeing its fifth straight gold when it faces host France in the finals.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News