The day the Soviets beat the USA at basketball

The U.S.A. men's basketball team is considered a powerhouse in the sport, boasting numerous victories across generations. They are often the clear favorites, yet occasionally experience unexpected slip-ups on the court. One of the most controversial moments occurred on September 10th, 1972, when the 'Dream Team' fell short against the Soviet Union in a highly contentious final, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

The United States men's basketball team felt they were robbed after losing 51-50 to the Soviet Union in the 1972 Olympic Final in Munich. This controversial game ended the Americans' 36-year unbeaten run, leaving a lasting mark on Olympic basketball history.

The U.S. team won every single game and every gold medal since basketball joined the Olympics in 1936, ending a historic unbeaten run. How did the Soviets pull it off?

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In Munich, the Americans faced an older and more experienced Soviet team, an opportunity to cause a major upset.

Doug Collin scored two decisive free throws, giving the U.S. team its first lead of the game in the dying moments of the game.

With few seconds left, an inbound Soviet pass is deflected at midcourt and the fans rush onto the court in celebration.

Yet, the clock still displayed a few seconds of playing time left... According to ESPN, "a high-ranking international basketball official [William Jones] said the clock had to be reset, adding three more seconds".

The Americans, coached by Henry Iba, were extremely furious with the court officials and reprimanded the scoreboard operator for resetting the clock. The American coach threatened to leave the court with his team. According to The New York Times, amid the chaos, Iba's wallet was also stolen by a fan near the court.

The clock was reset and play reinstated, with a Soviet possession. Aleksander Belov outmuscled two Americans to catch the full-court inbound pass and scored a historic layup to give the Soviet Union a stunning victory.

The U.S. team attempted to appeal the decision made but failed. Since then, the team unanimously agreed to boycott the medal ceremony, even forfeiting their silver medals.

"We do not feel like accepting the silver medal because we feel we are worth the gold," stated Bill Summers, chairman of the U.S. Olympic Basketball Committee, according to The Guardian.

The controversial ending to the game opened an investigation within FIBA, and to this day there are hints of "possible political corruption", reports ESPN. The Cold War was still lingering in the background, making it more than just a basketball game...

In 2012, the U.S. team had a reunion in Munich, 40 years after the controversial final. The players were seated in a televised roundtable, and all 12 players present "remained steadfast in their decision to reject their silver medals," reports The New York Times.

Kenny Davis shared during the interview that he added a clause to his will, "barring any of his family members from posthumously accepting it on his behalf," further reports The New York Times.

Russia still celebrates the 1972 gold medal achieved in Munich as a great sporting achievement and continues to be celebrated today. In 2017, the film "Going Vertical," was released, commemorating an important sporting moment.

"Our medals sit in Lausanne, and there are going to be fewer of us around for the 60th anniversary. History fades into the ether," shared Tom McMillen during an interview. The former NBA player went on to become a member of Congress, now that is a solid layup! Let us know what you think in the comments!

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