USA thrash Serbia for fifth world title

Author Photo
USA basketball team

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving was the star of the show for the USA with 26 points, while Houston Rockets' James Harden notched 23.

Eight USA players reached double figures in a dominant performance, while Nemanja Bjelica and Nikola Kalinic led the way for Serbia in scoring 18 points apiece.

The final was very much in keeping with the hold the USA had enjoyed over the competition throughout, with the 21-point advantage in their group game against Turkey standing as their narrowest victory margin.

Serbia's start to the game suggested a shock was possible as they took an early 15-7 lead.

But Irving prompted a run of 14 unanswered points late in the first quarter to set up a dominant evening for the USA.

Having impressed with 18 points, two steals and four assists in the semi-final win over Lithuania, Irving - named the tournament's MVP - scored 15 points in the first quarter alone.

That brought up a 35-21 advantage, although three fouls from Anthony Davis and Kenneth Faried left both players treading a tightrope in the second quarter.

DeMarcus Cousins excelled in defence and Irving and Harden hit four and three three-pointers respectively as the USA moved 67-41 clear by half-time.

There was no let-up in the defending champions' intensity in the third quarter and Serbia could not find an answer as the lead climbed beyond 30.

With a quarter remaining and a 105-67 scoreline making the remaining action a formality, the USA could look towards overhauling their own record final margin of 137-91 against Russia in 1994.

To their credit, Serbia salvaged some pride by outscoring the now five-time world champions 25-24 in the final quarter, long after their race was run.

Author(s)
Dom Farrell Photo

Dom is the senior content producer for Sporting News UK.