What notable event did the US men's basketball team experience during the 1972 games?

The US men's basketball team experienced a significant event during the 1972 Olympics, marked by a highly controversial game against the Soviet Union. This matchup is infamous because it ended with a disputed final play that resulted in the first and only Olympic loss for the US men's basketball team. After leading for most of the game, the US team ultimately lost 51-50 due to a series of contentious decisions regarding the final seconds. This game is often remembered not only for the defeat but also for the circumstances surrounding how the ending was handled, including time mismanagement and protests from the US team.

The controversy surrounding the game has left a lasting impact on Olympic history and discussions about sportsmanship, officiating, and fairness in competitive events. Therefore, while the loss itself is significant, it's the context of this particular game and its fallout that truly highlights the event's notability.