The United States men’s basketball team convincingly defeated the Serbian national team 96-66 to win its third straight gold medal. After a few close calls in earlier games, including against Serbia, the U.S team focused and brought home the gold at the Rio Olympics.
United States Men’s Basketball Win Gold Medal over Serbia
Kevin Durant dominated the game and scored 30 points helping to essentially decide the game by halftime. It was the final game for Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski who became the first coach to win three Olympic gold medals. Carmelo Anthony also became the most decorated men’s basketball player in Olympic history with his third gold medal to go with a bronze medal.
Carmelo Anthony Becomes Most Decorated Men’s Basketball Player in Olympic History
Klay Thompson added 12 points. DeMarcus Cousins grabbed 15 rebounds for the U.S. squad and helped mollify the play of Nikola Jokic who had dominated in the first game against Serbia earlier in the tournament.
Serbia was led by Nemanja Nedovic who scored 14 points. Forward Milan Macvan scored 11 points. Star guard Milos Teodosic who had dominated in the tournament was held to nine points. Jokic managed only 6 points.
The U.S. Team Focused When it Counted
The U.S. team were able to focus when it counted. There had been some controversy on their close early games and the housing of some players on the luxury cruise liner called the Silver Cloud. There was some worry that the team was having too much fun.
However, Durant came out strong and dominated the Serbian team. Durant was helped by strong play from starters Thompson and Anthony. However, reserve players Paul George, Kyle Lowry, Cousins and Jimmy Butler helped put the game away.
Spain Defeated Australia to Win the Bronze Medal
With Serbia taking the silver medal, Spain defeated Australia by one point in a very close game to win the bronze medal. Australia was looking to make history by winning their first Olympic medal in basketball. Australia held a one-point lead with 10 seconds left in the game. However, a controversial foul call gave Spain two free-throws and the game.
