Durant has now scored 88 points in USA’s last three gold medal games.
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A few of the victories were more hard than usual in this tournament, where half of the Americans’ eight games were decided by 10 points or fewer.
Anthony wasn’t the U.S.’s best player at these Olympics, but he was a veteran presence on a young team and an experienced guiding hand for a group made up largely of first-timers. Though they have struggled at times, they should be able to find something today to win handily over Serbia.
All is well that ends well when it comes to the United States men’s basketball team in the Olympics.
Striking a reflective posture while thinking of his three gold medal wins, as well as a crushing defeat to Argentina during the 2004 games that led to a bronze medal, Anthony got choked up. You’ve still got so many girls who aren’t even on this team yet. Still, the USA isn’t taking anything for granted.
No one has meant more to Spain’s program and it was clear from the start he wanted any medal. Jordan brings energy and rim-protection that the US desperately need.
Durant also dished out four assists and was a team-best +38.
The US, missing such greats as LeBron James and Steph Curry, reserved its best for last, having come under criticism for previous lackluster displays.
Anthony is the first and only male basketball player to win three Olympic gold medals. This team relies heavily on isolation offense and when those shots aren’t falling, it’s been tough for the U.S.to find scoring.
Kevin Durant wears Nike. In Rio, Spain provided its usual resistance – in the semifinals, an 82-76 win for the USA. Thompson seems to have finally found his stroke in the tournament and has 11 triples over the past three fixtures. George, meanwhile, has shown a knack for grabbing offensive boards and keeping possessions alive. The Warriors aren’t quite an Olympic team, but if this version of Durant is headed to Golden State, best of luck to the other 29 National Basketball Association teams playing for second place.
The United States beat Serbia only 94-91 in pool play, holding on when Bogdan Bogdanovic missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
An organised Serbian team produced enough trouble for the USA, as they did in the previous encounter, when the lead was exchanged five times and the game was tied four times in the first quarter. Serbia does that, and Teodosic is the fulcrum of it all.
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United States’ Courtney Okolo, Natasha Hastings, Phyllis Francis and Allyson Felix hold a sign and wear their nation’s flag after winning the gold in the women’s 4×400 meter relay during athletics competitions at the Summer Olym. He’ll need to take over once again in order to top Serbia.
