RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – The U.S. Olympic Team made itself right at home in Rio.
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The Americans had a rocky start to the game in the first quarter when Serbia mucked up the proceedings by fouling the U.S.in transition and keeping the USA from developing an offensive rhythm.
Earlier today, Spain edged Australia 89-88 in a thrilling bronze medal match that featured 14 lead changes in the last quarter. Anthony then paused for 21 seconds, soaking in the cheers from the crowd.
“I’ve been really a lucky guy, collegiately and internationally to be part of championship teams”, said Krzyzewski, commonly called “Coach K”. “So much love and support throughout my career and I just wanted this one for them”. They were cheering me on along the way, and everybody was encouraging me, and I just went out there and had fun with the game. United States of America held Serbia to 31 percent shooting in the first half and Kevin Durant scored 24 of his game-high 30 points before the break.
“There’s no greater honour than to coach your country’s team, and to coach the U.S. team with not just their level of talent but commitment that these guys have shown”. Durant, who averaged 19.4 points for the tournament, was in the hunt to break Anthony’s record for scoring in a single game (37 against Nigeria in 2012).
United States’ Kevin Durant (5) celebrates with teammates United States’ Draymond Green (14) and others after a steal and dunk against Serbia during the men’s gold medal basketball game at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeir.
Anthony, who is hanging up his sneakers after 12 years with the national team, is the only player to have been coached by Krzyzewski in three Olympics.
A few of the victories were more hard than usual in this tournament, where half the Americans’ eight games were decided by 10 points or fewer. “If you let them play like they want, they will kill you”.
He is the first American men’s basketball player to win three gold medals.
Carmelo Anthony is the only member of the team who has been a member of the last three American teams and leaves Rio as Team USA’s all-time leading scorer.
The race began in an early morning drizzle while the host nation was still basking in Neymar’s kiss and impossible-to-forget penalty kick that secured the gold medal in soccer. “He took responsibility for the loss and gave credit to the Greek team and we’ve built on that”. While James and Paul and other skipped these games, Anthony signed up for another tour of duty to represent his country.
And 10 teams – including the independent team – won their first golds, including Monica Puig in women’s tennis for Puerto Rico.
The United States won their third consecutive Olympic men’s basketball title and 15 overall after comfortably beating Serbia 96-66 in the Rio 2016 final at Carioca Arena 1.
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Patty Mills scored 30 and David Andersen 15 for the Aussies, who played nearly the entire second half without Andrew Bogut.
