LeBron sparks U.S. win

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- LeBron James eyed Shawn Marion's pass coming toward him and made a split-second decision to redirect the ball. One nifty touch pass later, Dwyane Wade converted it into a layup.
The basket broke the last tie and began a game-changing 10-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter, leading the Americans to a 89-79 victory over Australia today.
The win might have gone a long way toward reversing the fortunes of the much-maligned U.S. team, which struggled in a victory over Greece and was embarrassed in a loss to Puerto Rico in the opener.
After a defensively inept first half and a so-so third quarter, the Americans increased their defensive intensity against the Aussies, moved the ball with aplomb and put together a few of the showtime moments their Olympic predecessors took for granted.
On Day 6 of the games, perhaps they finally arrived.
Tim Duncan scored 18 points, Allen Iverson and Marion each added 16 and Wade scored 12 for the U.S. team, which shot 39-for-68 from the field.
The Americans also kept their turnovers down, found better shots than in their first two games and realized that the only way to fuel their offense is through defense.
The United States forced four misses and a turnover on Australia's first five possessions of the fourth quarter, and its ball moment was fluid and flashy during the run that put them ahead 75-67.
Australia, led by Shane Heal's 17 points, never threatened again.
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