With a third Gold Medal around his neck, an emotional Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from international hoops Sunday.
Melo helped lead Team USA to glory at the Rio Olympics, as they romped over Serbia en route to their 25th straight win on Olympic hardwood.
Kevin Durant was the top scorer, finishing with a game-high 30 points in the victory.
Per Reuters:
“To go home as gold medalists and leave Coach K off with another gold was one of our main goals as well,” Durant told reporters. “I’m excited we got the chance to do this and play with such great players, and I’m on cloud nine right now for sure.”
The rout capped a brilliant tenure as Team USA head coach for Krzyzewski, who signs off after guiding the U.S. to three consecutive Olympic gold medals and an astounding 88-1 record in international competition.
The game was also the last for captain Carmelo Anthony, who embraced Krzyzewski on the sidelines when he was substituted in the final minutes. […] U.S. basketball’s only four-time Olympian, Anthony exits with three gold medals and a pack of U.S. team records. […] “I think I’ve given enough to Team USA basketball,” said Anthony. “As much as I’m going to miss it, I think it’s time to pass it on to some of the guys who have been on the team this year. So for me, I’m hanging these things up U.S. basketball-wise.”
