Down Goes Greece. Spain and controversy awaits.

If Greece was the first real test for Team USA, then consider Spain the midterm final. Team USA crushed Greece earlier today in Beijing by a score of 92-69, earning sweet revenge against a Greek team that beat the United States two years ago at the FIBA World Championships in Japan. This time, however, Greece had no chance. Led by a tremendous effort from Dwayne Wade, who contributed 17 points, 6 steals, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, and strong performances from Chris Bosh and LeBron James, this game was a showcase for the Americans. Alley-oop after spectacular alley-oop, steal after steal, jump shot after jump shot, the Redeem Team put on a show. Mike Krzyzewski's team is the clear favorite to win the gold. Our next opponent, though, will be an immensely difficult challenge. Our next opponent is Spain, an excellent team featuring NBA star Pau Gasol of the Lakers and Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors, and a team in the middle of controversy.

The Spanish men's and women's basketball teams posed for pictures for these Beijing Olympics in which everyone uses their fingers to slant their eyes, a gesture that comes across as a mockery of the Chinese people. The picture is incredibly offensive and completely idiotic, and the fact that the Spanish team agreed to appear in the photo is incomprehensible . I don't think the Spanish team in bigoted; however, the picture represents a colossal lapse of judgement on the part of the Spaniards. Making matters worse, Pau Gasol was the only player to express genuine remorse. Jose Calderon said, "We did it because we thought it would be something nice, something with no problem." He went on to blame the media for blowing the story out of proportion. Even Spain head coach Aito Garcia Reneses thought the picture was no big deal. No big deal? Give me a break. Jason Kidd was right on the money when he said that if the Americans posed in such a picture, we would be kicked out of the tournament. The Spanish basketball team should be punished.

Strictly speaking basketball, though, Spain poses a real threat. Greece is a good team; Spain is even better. Team USA needs an all-around effort with as few errors as possible to stay undefeated. Judging by today's blowout, I think the Redeem Team is on their way to standing atop the podium at the end of the tournament. And if we find a way to win the gold medal, maybe we too will pose for a picture. A picture with no controversy. A picture of us celebrating. If the first three dominating wins are any indication, we are well on our way to doing just that.