US romps to men’s basketball gold, beats Serbia 96-66

Kevin Durant scored 30 points while DeMarcus Cousins added 13 points and 15 rebounds as the U.S. squad cruised to a 15th overall men’s basketball gold medal, every USA player scoring in the romp, in what was the Rio Games’ last title decider.

Completing a third consecutive unbeaten run to Olympic gold, the United States captured a sixth Games title with National Basketball Association talent in 7 tries by routing Serbia 96-66 in Sunday’s final.

Serbia is a surprise finalist, as they were just 2-3 in pool play, but still managed to qualify for 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. Had a few bounces gone they’re way, Serbia could be 6-1.

With the win, the Americans claim the final medal of the Rio Games.

Where, when and how can you catch the Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game between the US and Serbia?

The U.S. isn’t expecting it.

The defensive rejuvenation coincided with DeAndre Jordan’s move to the starting lineup.

She noted how players whose names the United States team once didn’t know to pronounce are now well scouted in meticulous detail. It will also be a fitting end to a successful Olympic coaching stint by Mike Krzyzewski, who announced his retirement earlier. This version of the USA women’s Olympic team has been simply incredible. Luckily for them, they have Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Carmelo Anthony to carry the offense when in trouble.

Where to begin in a recount of Team USA’s supremacy in Rio, a dominance that’s been demonstrated to an nearly numbing effect under iconic University of CT coach Geno Auriemma? Thompson seems to have finally found his stroke in the tournament and has 11 triples over the past three fixtures.

Serbia has a good shot at keeping this game close, and could even pull off an outright upset if the United States doesn’t keep up its strong defensive play of late.

Serbia had played the USA close in pool play, losing 94-91, and led for much of the first quarter before the US began to pull away.

“When you’re talking about a team that has such bigger potential than yours”, Scariolo added, “more than thinking [about] what you missed to win, you have to be happy with what you did to reduce the gap”. Milos Teodosic was the star for Serbia against Australia with 22 points and five assists. Taurasi then hit consecutive 3-pointers – her first points of the game – as the Americans scored 10 straight. He’ll need to avoid picking up any unnecessary fouls or risk costing Serbia their interior presence.

Serbia is a formidable opponent that was within a missed wide open three of the US when the two faced off in the preliminary round.

Sunday will be Anthony’s final Olympic game. The USA failed to cover the spread as a 13.5-point favorite, but it marked the second straight game that the team was able to hold its opponent to under 80 points after allowing 92 points per game in its previous three contests.

Four quarters remain to separate silver from gold. In a single game, anything can happen; anyone can win.