US Olympic Basketball Coach Praises Iran, American Sportsmanship

SAITAMA, JAPAN - The United States men's basketball coach Gregg Popovich lauded the sportsmanship showed by his players and their opponents Iran during their Olympic match on Wednesday, saying it showed the potential of sport to transcend differences.

The two sides both applauded after their countries national anthems were played at the Saitama Super Arena and fist bumped each other before the game and shook hands after. After the game, which the U.S. won 120-66, Popovich said that his team played well against a "very hard-working Iranian team." Asked about the significance of the two countries that have had a contentious history facing each other at the Games, Popovich said that people were able to put aside differences of national policy.