Bryant shines for U.S. in win over Russia

Bryant shines for U.S. in win over Russia

Kobe Bryant scored 19 points to spark the United States to a 89-68 win over a dogged Russia in a warm-up for the Beijing Olympics on Sunday.

Carmelo Anthony added 17 points for the gold medal favorites, although the Russians emerged with credit for slowing the Americans' much-vaunted offense in a defensive battle.

"It was a great challenge," Bryant, the NBA's Most Valuable Player, told reporters. "They're a physical team, a big team but we played with a lot of energy... It was a big win."

The Los Angeles Lakers guard was serenaded with chants of "M-V-P" by the 14,000-strong crowd in Shanghai every time he went to the foul line.

"Even though we're so far away from the States it felt like we were playing at home," said Bryant.

The U.S. had been averaging 118 points per game in their first three exhibition games, all victories, but were given a far tougher workout by Russia.

Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko scored 18 points and American-born point guard J.R. Holden added 17 for the European champions.

The U.S. are slight favorites to win gold in Beijing with defending Olympic champions Argentina and Spain, the reigning world champions, also in the frame.

U.S. forward LeBron James showed no signs of an ankle injury he suffered during a game against Canada last month, scoring 10 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter