Lebron James dunks against Nigeria. Photo / AP.
The hosts have done an incredible job of Londonising the most aggressively American sport on the Olympic schedule. As Danny Boyle demonstrated during the opening ceremony, it's the music that adds the flavour.
During the preliminary match between unfancied Nigeria and the mighty US, one encouraged act of audience participation
turned the London Basketball Arena into a single, unifying celebration and affirmation of British culture.
The arena soundtrack had its share of American hits but the British tracks wove everything together; an eclectic mix of the Beatles, Basement Jaxx, Craig David, Adele, the Rolling Stones and the Clash.
As Carmelo Anthony and his band of conquerors ran riot against the spirited Nigerian side on the court, the arena announcer worked overtime to keep fans in the game.
"Who's here to see Nigeria?", boomed the voice.
