Spain overcomes odds, injury to win World Championship

SAITAMA, Japan -- Pau Gasol's teammates kept their word, and he had a trophy for each crutch supporting him.

Spain won its first World Championship without its star in a performance worthy of a Hollywood script.

With the injured Gasol cheering from the bench, Spain beat Greece 70-47 on Sunday night in an emotional victory some thought couldn't happen and few thought would be so easy.

Gasol led Spain (9-0) in scoring and rebounding throughout the tournament. When the 7-footer broke his foot with about a minute left in the 75-74 semifinal victory over Argentina, his team's gold-medal hopes dimmed considerably.

"Against Argentina that was a night of pain and happiness, and it has become happiness," said Gasol, the World Championship trophy on one side and the MVP award on the other. "It couldn't be any better today. It's hard to describe with words."

"My teammates today played an amazing game," he added. "They played with their hearts and together as a unit. It's no fun to watch. I thought I would suffer some more, but I am so happy to see the way they responded without me being there."

The Gasol brothers, Marc and Pau, celebrate after leading Spain to the world title. (AP)

Gasol stood holding his head in his hands in the final seconds, openly in tears. It wasn't long before the Memphis Grizzlies star hopped to midcourt to join his teammates in a circle, sitting on the court wearing headbands given to them at the final buzzer.

"I was just super happy and couldn't contain myself from crying," he said. "It is so special to be a part of this team and not being able to be there really hurt me."

Spain's challenge seemed even more difficult considering a near perfect performance by Greece (8-1) in a 101-95 semifinal triumph over the United States. The European champions put on an impressive offensive and defensive display in getting to the final for the first time.

"Greece got to the final and played excellent," Gasol said. "I was a little afraid after the way they played together and on defense."

There was no reason to worry. Spain limited Greece to less than half the points it scored against the U.S. and kept its shooting percentage to about half (33 percent vs. 63 percent).

The United States won the bronze medal with a 96-81 victory over Argentina on Saturday.

Gasol averaged 21.3 points and 9.4 rebounds during the Worlds. He has a partial fracture in his left foot, and the Grizzlies say he will need surgery.