The United States captured its third straight gold medal with a 96-66 victory over Serbia.
Kevin Durant led the way with 30 points, four assists and three rebounds for Team USA. DeMarcus Cousins added a double-double (13 points and 15 rebounds) in the win.
Durant called his Olympic experience therapeutic since it allowed him to play basketball without worrying about the backlash from fans about his decision to sign with Golden State this past summer.
Carmelo Anthony won his third Olympic title, setting the record for most gold medals by a single player. Anthony had seven points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal in the win.
Afterwards, Anthony told reporters that this was his last time playing for Team USA.
“I know this is the end, this is it for me,” Anthony told NBC’s Rosalyn Gold-Onwude. “I committed to this in ’04. I’ve seen the worst and I’ve seen the best.”
Anthony goes out on top as the nine-time All-Star set a record for most career rebounds by a single player. Anthony topped David Robinson (125 rebounds) and also set a record for most career points as a member of Team USA.
Anthony came into the Olympics third on the all-time list behind Robinson (270) and LeBron James (273) before taking that record. The three-time Olympic medalist also set a record for most games played in the Olympics. Among other records, Anthony scored 37 points in 2012 to set the single-game record for points and for the most 3-pointers made in U.S Olympic history.
Speaking of legends, Duke head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski also went out on top as it with his tenure coming to a close for Team USA. During his time as head coach, Krzyzewski went 60-1 excluding exhibitions which would put the figure at 88-1.
“Coach K” restored order after Team USA finished with bronze in the 2004 Olympic games in Athens. The transition should be smooth as Krzyzewski turns the reigns over to Gregg Popovich.
When asked about his coaching legacy, Krzyzewski noted that coaching Team USA has been “the ultimate honor” of his coaching career.
