The game was on February 22, 1980, and it was the United States men's basketball team against the heavily favored Soviet Union in the Olympics. The Soviet Union was seen as the unbeatable behemoth, having won the gold medal in basketball for the last three Olympics. Meanwhile, the U.S. team consisted of mostly amateur college players.
The Soviet Union came into the game with a 5-0 record and an average margin of victory of 33 points per game. They were expected to steamroll the young Americans. However, the U.S. team played with an intensity and determination that shocked everyone. They kept pace with the Soviet Union in the first half, trailing by only two points. In the second half, the Soviet Union tried to apply their trademark full-court press, but the American team handled it with ease. The U.S. continued to chip away at the Soviet Union's lead and with seconds remaining, they hit a free throw to take a 50-49 lead.new balance 990 vs ultra boost
The Soviet Union had one last chance to win, but their desperation shot missed the mark, and the U.S. team had pulled off the greatest upset in Olympic basketball history. The American players and coaches erupted into celebration on the court, and the crowd of over 10,000 people went wild. The win was not only impressive because of the underdog status of the American team, but also because it was a victory against the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War.
The Miracle on Ice was a historic game that transcended basketball. It was a win for the U.S. and a symbol of hope during a time of political tension. Even today, it is remembered as one of the greatest moments in Olympic history.new balance 990 vs 992 vs 993