Photo

Click on photo to enlarge

Lebron James (6) of the U.S. celebrates with Chris Paul (13), Chris Bosh (L) and Jason Kidd during their men's Group B basketball game against Spain at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 16, 2008. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States delivered a powerful message of intent by pulverizing world champions Spain 119-82 in the men's Olympic basketball tournament on Saturday.

A fired-up Yao Ming was close to tears after driving hosts China into the quarter-finals with a 59-55 victory over Germany.

The Spanish players wore the look of weary men as they trudged off after being put to the sword by a U.S. team still smarting after finishing third at the 2004 Olympics and 2006 world championships.

"They are more intense now," Spanish forward Pau Gasol said. "They play with a purpose and that's to show everyone else they're superior. That's the bottom line."

LeBron James led the Americans with 18 points while Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony each added 16 in a one-sided game where they outscored Spain 32-0 on fast-break points.

"Spain were in the way of our gold medal," shrugged Anthony after helping the U.S. to a fourth straight victory, securing top spot in Group B.

"When we get everybody on the same page it's kind of hard to beat us."

DEAFENING ROARS

Energized by a huge crowd, Yao poured in 25 points, leaving the court with 7.2 seconds left pumping his fists in triumph to deafening roars.

"It's a moment you never want to forget in your life," an emotional Yao said. "It's not just about five players. We had 18,000 fans with us -- that's a very strong power behind us.

"We survived the 'group of death.' China will bring more surprises. It feels like we won a medal already."

China led by 12 points on a Yao jumper before Dirk Nowitzi fuelled a German fightback.

A turn-around jump shot from Yao made it 56-52 with 2:14 before Nowitzki, who finished with 24 points, replied with a long three as a furious clash of NBA titans went down to the wire.

An offensive foul called on Nowitzki effectively sealed China's second win in Group B and ended Germany's hopes of a place in the last eight.

Reigning Olympic champions Argentina advanced to the last eight with a 97-82 win over Iran, San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili exploding for 32 points.

Argentina improved to 3-1 in Group A behind three-times bronze medalists Lithuania, who posted their fourth win, beating Croatia 86-73.

(Editing by Jeremy Laurence)