Serbia shot just 4-for-24 from 3-point range and the United States had a big advantage on the offensive glass once again.
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It was the 27-year-old Durant – earning his second Olympic gold with the win – who led the team all through the contest, greatly aided by Kyrie Irving, who had won his second National Basketball Association ring with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Kyle Lowry. Even in knockout play, the US squeezed past Spain in the semifinals and had to bounce back from an early 10 point deficit against Argentina. And I’m here today, three gold medals later.
The US beat Serbia on the board by 54-33 and led by as many as 41 points.
At the sold-out 15,000-seat Carioca Arena 1 in Barra da Tijuca, the USA men’s basketball team overwhelmed Serbia 96×66 to win the team’s third straight basketball gold medal.
With the win, Carmelo Anthony won his third Olympic title, setting the record for most Olympic gold medals won by a single player. Dwyane Wade won gold in 2008, while Frank McCabe was a part of Team USA back in 1952. For the game, Durant shot 5-11 from three-point range and contributed four assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, to go along with his 30 points. The Americans averaged a 22.5-point winning margin in the tournament.
“This experience has been the dream of a lifetime for me”, said USA gymnast and closing ceremony flagbearer Simone Biles, who won five medals, four of them gold, in her first Olympics.
Durant had 24 points by the half and the USA had a 23-point lead, 52-29.
When it comes to the women’s competition, it seems likely the United States will eventually claim the crown as the greatest Olympic team of all time.
Durant and Anthony hugged late in the fourth quarter with the result long decided. Much of the turnaround can be attributed to a renewed defensive effort – a hallmark of Coach K’s previous Olympic teams.
Earlier in the day Spain beat Australia 89-88 to win the bronze medal in the men’s basketball and secure a third consecutive podium finish. This forced the U.S.to bring players here who wouldn’t have been considered otherwise.
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Kevin Durant said his experience in Rio de Janeiro with Team USA provided a needed escape from the backlash he has received after leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
