LONDON (Olympics) - Four years have passed since the United States defeated Spain in one of the most thrilling gold-medal clashes ever played at an Olympics.

The USA won that epic encounter in Beijing, 118-107.

Among the many memorable plays in that clash, two stand out.

There was a Rudy Fernandez dunk on Team USA's Dwight Howard, and a Kobe Bryant four-point play.

Dwyane Wade was hurt and unable to play for the United States this year, and Ricky Rubio is also recovering from knee surgery and now with Spain.

But many of the protagonists in 2008 are with the teams in London.

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams were in that American team four years ago while Juan Carlos Navarro, Pau Gasol and Fernandez were key men in Spain's squad and still are.

Felipe Reyes, Jose Calderon and Marc Gasol were also in the 2008 Spanish squad, though Calderon was injured and couldn't play.

They, too, are in London.

If the USA have made it look easy at times, scoring at least 100 points in all of their contests bar the Preliminary Round encounter with Lithuania that they won 99-94, coach Mike Krzyzewski says the basketball tournament has been more competitive overall.

After his side's 109-83 triumph in Friday's Semi-Final over Argentina, Krzyzewski said: "I think Argentina is a really good team, I think Spain is terrific, and I really like Brazil, France, Russia.

"I think this has been a heck of a tournament. Australia played us so well.

"From Beijing to now, I think there are more good teams and the level of play is better. It was good then, but it is going to keep getting better."

It remains to be seen if Spain can give the United States a tough game as they did in China.

The Spaniards lost twice in the Preliminary Round, falling to Russia and Brazil, and they survived in close encounters in the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals against France and Russia, respectively.

"I don't know if we'll be able to reach 100 points as we did in Beijing because we're not shooting with a high percentage," said Spain's four-time Olympian Navarro.

"But the key is not the points, but rather to be solid on defense."

For Bryant, who scored 11 quick points at the start of the game against Argentina for the United States, including three shots from the arc, there is a significant change for Spain this year in comparison to 2008.

"Marc (Gasol) is really the big difference," Bryant said.

"He's improved tremendously from the last time we played them.

"His confidence has improved, his skill has improved. And that's one major difference."

Marc Gasol had a shoulder injury and wasn't able to face the USA in Barcelona, when the teams played in the build-up to the Olympics and the Americans pulled away in the second half for a convincing victory.

Ibaka did play, however, and that is another big difference for Spain.

The Oklahoma City Thunder big man was the leading shot blocker in the NBA last season and gives Spain a tall, athletic presence in the low post.

Anthony isn't so sure that Spain's size advantage with the Gasols and Ibaka will pose significant problems for the USA.

"They definitely have the size on the inside," Anthony said.

"You guys (journalists) all know that, you write about it.

"But we'll be prepared for that. We're not too concerned."

Spain also have Calderon available this time, and that's important.

The Toronto Raptors playmaker hit four three-pointers in the second half against Russia on Friday.

Sergio Rodriguez is a player with NBA experience who comes off the bench for Spain, and Sergio Llull, his Real Madrid teammate, has also logged a lot of minutes for the national side at these Olympic Games.

Fernandez, especially against Russia in the second meeting, has been vital for Spain.

"It's going to be difficult," Fernandez said. "But this is the Olympic Final and we want to enjoy it.

"If we played as well as we did in the second half (against Russia), we can achieve something great. But if you are not at your best game against the United States, you know you are going to get beat."

For the USA, the biggest change from 2008 has been the absence of Wade and the inclusion of 2010 FIBA World Championship MVP Kevin Durant.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star has been sensational in London, shooting 55.8% (29 of 52) from behind the arc and averaging 18 points.

All of the USA players have made important contributions at one time or another, from Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love to Tyson Chandler and Deron Wiliams.

Williams put it best when asked about the Final.

"This is what everyone expected," Williams said.

"I think a Spain-USA final.

"And it’s here, and we’re excited about it.

"We didn’t get a full Spain team last game, and we know they’ve got Marc Gasol healthy now, so, we’ll get their real team.

"We’re locked in and looking forward to the challenge and ready to go."

FIBA