The Dream Team of the United States wins third consecutive gold at Rio 2016
The Dream Team of United States won their third consecutive gold by defeating Serbia at Rio 2016 with a score of 96-66.
United States claims 15th title in 19 Olympic Games
United States has now won their 15th title in 19 Olympic Games. They have also won 24 consecutive matches in Olympic history, since their loss in the semifinals of Athens 2004 against Argentina.
Overall, United States has won 76 consecutive matches, 52 of which were official matches.
#SRB 66-96 #USA (FT) - Biggest blowout in Olympic final since 1992 (#USA 117-85 #CRO). #USA will go TEN YEARS WITHOUT LOSING in 11 days.
Less than one hour till game time in Rio!
2:45 p.m. EDT#USABMNT roster: https://t.co/rGhvwxs5In pic.twitter.com/FUGqPzXBsl
PRE-MATCH
"For me it's always about winning the gold medal," said Carmelo Anthony from the start of the Games, who can become the first basketball player to win three consecutive golds on Sunday.
The Americans have had an impeccable journey in Brazil, winning all their matches, including the Thursday's semifinals against Spain, the finalist in the previous editions in Beijing 2012 and London 2012.
The battle against the Spaniards was not easy, but the Americans managed to stay ahead until they won the match 82-76.
The team coached by Mike Krzyzewski raised their defense a notch, especially against Argentina in the quarterfinals (105-78) and against Spain.
"Defensively, this is the best team that United States has put on the court," said Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo, comparing them to previous American teams.
The Serbians began the competition with some stumbling blocks, losing in the group stage against United States, Australia, and France, but they have steadily improved throughout their last matches.
The Serbians defeated their Croatian neighbors in the quarterfinals and took advantage of a pathetic performance by the Australians in the semifinals to fight for the gold.
The 'Boomers' only managed to score 14 points in the first half and were always heavily behind in the score.
"It's a shame how we started and we couldn't recover from that," said Australian Spurs' player Patty Mills after the game.
The Serbians are in a position to make history in their first Olympic participation as an independent country.
In 1996, Serbia, still under the name of Yugoslavia, together with Montenegro, reached the final of the Atlanta Games.
The team, including Sacha Djordjevic, current Serbian coach, suffered a clear defeat of 95-69 against players like Shaquille O'Neal or Charles Barkley.
The current Serbian team also knows what it is like to lose a final against United States after their defeat in the 2014 World Cup against Spain with a score of 129-92.
This Sunday it will be known whether Serbia makes history or if it confirms the American dominance in basketball.