The Rio Olympics weren’t always so easy for Durant and the USA, but they ended the way most expected, a flawless 8-0 record and gold medal, even if these Americans had to earn it a little more than some of their predecessors. In all likelihood the United States will return to defend their Olympic title in 2020. Serbia outscored the Americans in the second half 50-44.
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Thanks to a triple from Kevin Durant with 25 seconds left in the half, Team USA was up 23 at the break, and Carmelo Anthony broke the ice on the second half with another three to remind Serbia to know their role and shut their mouths.
The Olympics couldn’t have come at a better time for Kevin Durant. After a relatively slow start by his standards, Durant went off in his final games in Rio, culminating in a 30-point performance in the gold medal game victory over Serbia. Nemanja Nedovic had 14 points to pace Serbia.
Spain, which restricted the USA to an 82-76 victory in the semifinals, beat Australia 89-88 in a controversial finish to the bronze medal match. His new Golden State Warriors teammate Klay Thompson also drained a three. Whalen finished the game with 17 points, tied for the team lead with Taurasi.
They were blown away though in the second quarter as the U.S. outscored them 33-14 to lead 52-29 at half-time. They entered the locker room with a commanding 52-29 lead.
They were challenged several times in pool play. By this point, the score was 79-43, and all hope was lost for the Serbians. Anthony had seven points and seven rebounds on Sunday, checking back in in the final quarter so he could get one more rebound – the 125th of his Olympic career – which pushed him past David Robinson on the all-time list. Anthony, so often criticized for not winning National Basketball Association championships, became the model for US players.
Every other player on the roster, including Kyrie Irving, earned their first gold medal in their first Olympic appearance.
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Australia could not get up a shot on their last possession, sending Spain into raptures and giving them bronze to add to their Olympic silvers from Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
