The Americans have been favourites from the outset to win their fifth title, which would equal Yugoslavia as the competition's most successful team.
Harden said his team's focus was always on winning the trophy as they prepare to face Serbia in the final on Sunday.
"It's everything for us. We came here with one thing on our mind, that's to win the gold medal," he said.
"We've come this far, we've done an excellent job thus far in this tournament so one more game to complete our mission."
Harden has been impressed by Serbia, who upset France 90-85 in the semi-finals.
"Their shooting, their guards made some really big plays, knocked down some really big shots at the end of the game," he said.
"France obviously did a really good job too but they [Serbia] are a really good team, they're feisty, they're resilient, they don't give up."
Anthony Davis talked up the chemistry and spirit within the squad, saying it was a key reason for their success.
"I think we did have chemistry from the beginning. We're a great ball club, we play together, we share the ball," he said.
"We make sure that no-one is getting down because they missed their shots, we keep up good spirits.
"So, I think we had chemistry from the beginning and if we didn't, we wouldn't be here right now."