NBA

Team USA Beats Serbia, Wins Third Straight Gold Medal

Kevin Durant had his best game of the Olympics and led Team USA to its 3rd straight gold medal.

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Through the first quarter of Team USA’s gold medal match against Serbia, it was reasonable to think this would be another close game that would come down to the wire. The teams were trading baskets early and neither could create any separation from the other. The first quarter ended with Team USA leading Serbia, 19-15.

After that, Kevin Durant decided to take over the game and put the Serbian national team away for good. Durant put on a show in the second quarter, logging 15 points in the frame on an assortment of three-pointers and dunks. Durant scored 24 of his 30 points in the first half and led Team USA to a 52-29 lead heading into halftime.

With the big lead, Team USA cruised throughout the rest of the game and ultimately won by a final score of 96-66. 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.

Serbia struggled to handle Team USA’s superior athleticism and failed to nullify the talent disparity with the long ball as they went just 4-24 from three-point range. Despite falling to Team USA, the Serbian national team should be proud to take home the silver medal after surprisingly knocking out the Australian national team in the semifinals.

With the win, Mike Krzyzewski retires as the head coach of Team USA with three gold medals and 76 consecutive wins. He has played a key role in rejuvenating the United States’ Men’s Basketball program and now passes the torch to Gregg Popovich.

 

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