Three-time All-Star Marc Gasol became only the second man to win an NBA crown and the World Cup in the same year after Spain brushed aside Argentina 95-75 here on Sunday.
Spain, which survived double overtime against Australia to reach the final, led throughout in Beijing to win international basketball’s biggest prize a second time.
The only previous occasion was in 2006 with the two Gasol brothers, Marc and older sibling Pau, on the team.
Pau did not feature in China because of injury.
The latest triumph was particularly sweet for the 34-year-old centre Gasol, who three months ago also played a key part in the Toronto Raptors’ run to the NBA title.
Gasol, who had 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, joins Lamar Odom, a double winner in 2010 with the United States and Los Angeles Lakers.
Surprise finalists Argentina had not triumphed since it hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1950.
As a contest, the final was over by the fourth quarter — although the Argentines did rally belatedly to reduce Spain’s previously mighty lead.
Australia wait goes on
France roared back after half-time to defeat Australia 67-59 and claim a second World Cup bronze in a row — and extend the Boomers’ long wait for a major medal.
The result (final): Spain 95 (Ricky Rubio 25, Sergio Llull 15, Marc Gasol 14) bt Argentina 75 (Gabriel Deck 24, Nico Laprovittola 17, Facundo Campazzo 11) .
