USA forward Carmelo Anthony became the first man to win three Olympic basketball gold medals, having played in 2008 and 2012 as well under “Coach K”, who will be replaced by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
Advertisement
The United States looked sluggish in the first quarter and seemed plagued by the same issues that dogged the gold medalfavorites earlier in the tournament.
The Americans stretched their Olympic win streak to 25 games and overall decade-long winning run to 76 games in the farewell game for United States coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Anthony also picked up his third gold to go with a bronze, becoming the most decorated male in Olympic basketball history.
After a good start, Serbia lost control of the game at the end of the first quarter and the United States cruised to a convincing victory.
After a sloppy start that saw Spain lead much of the opening quarter, the United States finally settled into its familiar rhythm, turning a 10-0 run into a 17-point halftime lead.
“This team kept getting better and even those three games in pool play, we had not played that type of game against that type of level of opponent”, Krzyzewski said.
“I think I’ve given enough to Team USA basketball”, said Anthony. Congratulations Melo on your third Olympic gold medal. By halftime, the USA had extended their lead to 23 points.
The Bottom Line: By winning for a third time in a row, the U.S. matched their second longest streak of consecutive gold medals at the Olympics.
Since Colangelo took over Team USA in 2005, the Americans have won seven FIBA titles, including gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. DeMarcus Cousins and Klay Thompson joined KD in double figures as they scored 13 and 12 points respectively.
Then the US shifted into top gear, blowing past the overwhelmed Serbs to open up a 23-point halftime advantage.
Kevin Durant led the way, hitting three-point bombs, driving for dunks, handing out assists and making steals on defense.
Advertisement
Australia’s Patty Mills scored 20 of his team-leading 30 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to give his country what would have been its first Olympic medal in men’s basketball.
