The U.S. Redeem Team opened today with a 101-70 thumping of Yao Ming’s Chinese team, which despite a valiant first-half effort couldn’t overcome the combined talents of Kobe, LeBron and Dwayne. The spectacle included President Bush, Henry Kissinger and other dignitaries. The U.S. team faces Angola on Tuesday.

Beyond their first win, what’s impressed me about this reformulated disappointment from the 2004 Games is their sheer muscularity. Yup, it’s a word and it fits here. They may not have gold yet, but this team certainly has the best biceps in Olympic basketball.

By Matt Hennie