Jerry Colangelo challenges countries to push Team USA

Nemanja Nedovic led Serbia with 14 points. Durant led the US with six.

Durant scored 30 points, even after sitting most of the fourth quarter, to star in the Americans’ decisive 96-66 victory over Serbia.

The U.S. team will now begin a period of transition, as three-time gold medalist Carmelo Anthony retires from global play and Mike Krzyzewski steps down as coach after 76 straight worldwide wins and an 88-1 record. They were within three points with just over six minutes remaining in the second quarter, but a 22-8 run to finish the quarter put the game out of reach for good.

“It was just a real different game today”, coach Mike Krzyzewski said. In comparison, Durant alone was 5-for-11 from long range. “The more interest in basketball on all levels, I’m for”.

The U.S. beat Serbia by just 94-91 in pool play, holding on when Bogdan Bogdanovic missed a three-pointer at the buzzer. Basketball is the No. 2 sport in the world.

Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant embrace.

Paul George said he and his teammates took out their frustrations on Serbia after hearing all the talk about them being less talented than previous USA squads and not blowing teams out. On both ends of the floor, it was the Americans’ most complete game of the tournament.

The only blemish on “Coach K’s” otherwise flawless resume is a semi-final loss to Greece at the 2006 world championships.

When the final horn sounded, the US players shared long hugs with each other and then Krzyzewski.

Serbia, participating in its first Olympics as an independent nation, hadn’t qualified for the Olympics since gaining their independence in 2006.

The negative backlash has really affected Durant, and he said that playing for Team USA was a break for him from all the negative energy thrown his way by certain fans and players. “Each of their 12 guys can do that”.

Diana Taurasi and the Americans played almost flawless basketball in Rio, and were never challenged.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points while DeMarcus Cousins added 13 points and 15 rebounds as the United States squad cruised to a 15th overall men’s basketball gold medal, every U.S. player scoring in the romp that decided the last gold medal in Rio. The Americans won 46 gold medals. “We came together at the right time”. This team was often criticised for its lack of ball movement and a propensity for too much one-on-one basketball on offence. They beat Australia and Croatia to make it to the Olympic final. Throw in two-time gold medalists Maya Moore, Tina Charles and Angel McCoughtry – who should all be back in 2020 – and there is another strong nucleus to build on for the Tokyo Games. Serbia pushed the Americans to the final seconds before losing in group play.