By Tim Reynolds - The Associated Press
The United States men's basketball team won its fourth consecutive Olympic gold this Saturday after defeating France 87-82.
It is also the team's sixteenth gold in 19 Olympic Games.
Kevin Durant had a stellar performance scoring 29 points and became, along with Carmelo Anthony, the only medalist in the history of the Olympic Games to achieve three golds in this discipline.
"Each and every one of us works hard every day, from the coaches to the players," said Durant.
"We all came with that goal of: 'Let's end this. Let's build a family. Let's build this team. Let's grow this team every day.' life, this family is for life, "he said excitedly.
Kevin Durant and coach Gregg Popovich celebrate America's gold in men's basketball.Luca Bruno / AP
The team seemed vulnerable at the beginning of the summer when they lost their first two exhibitions and had three fewer players during a part of the Olympic preparation, who were playing in the NBA Finals.
"Every championship is special and the group you are with is special, but I can be honest and say that this is the greatest responsibility I have ever felt," declared the historic coach Gregg Popovich, who adds this metal to the five titles of the NBA won as coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
[American Suni Lee wins the individual women's gymnastics final in the absence of Simone Biles]
"You are playing for so many people who are watching, and for a country, and other countries involved. The responsibility was impressive. I felt it every day for several years. Now I feel quite light and want to go back to the hotel," he acknowledged.
Durant sealed the victory with two free throws with 8.8 seconds remaining, making the result irreversible.
The lead was five points, France's last possession was irrelevant and it was all over.
When the horn sounded, the winners ran to embrace each other in center court, while Durant, Draymond Green and Bam Adebayo wrapped themselves in American flags.
Popovich also melted into an emotional hug with his assistants and the coaching staff.
["We are human": Simone Biles highlights the importance of mental health after withdrawing from another Olympic final]
"Everybody questioned us. This is special," Green said.
"I'm very happy for Pop, for the staff, for the players, for the country. It's a great way to end," USA Basketball CEO Jerry Colangelo said with tears in his eyes, who said goodbye after being at the helm. of the team in the last four Olympics.
For some, this metal adds to a particular family legacy.
Point guard Jrue Holiday, who won the NBA this year with the Milwaukee Bucks, is now an Olympic champion like his wife Lauren, a double gold medalist with the women's soccer team.
Center JaVale McGee's mother, Pamela, also took gold with the women's basketball team in Los Angeles-1984.
The United States women's water polo team, on their side, defeated Spain 14-5 and became Olympic champion.
Molly Seidel got bronze in the marathon test.