USA victories in both men and women’s basketball ended the 2012 Summer Olympic Games with a bang.
On Sunday, the U.S. men’s basketball team defended their 2008 title with a 107-100 victory against Spain. The all-star roster included Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Kevin Durant, who single-handedly set a new Olympic record with 156 points in eight games, was also a shinning star.
James, who finished the game with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, said that Team USA knew a victory against Spain would not come easy. “We didn’t want easy,” he said to USA Today. “A lot of teams have won gold easy. We love it when it gets tight. That’s when our will and determination shows.”
The U.S. women’s basketball team also reclaimed their title as world champions with an 86-50 victory against France. The team walked away with their fifth straight gold medal, led by forward Candace Parker. She effortlessly scored 21 points and picked up 11 rebounds.
Point guard Diana Taurasi has played on the Olympic team for the last three medals. “It just shows the depth and talent in our country. Women’s basketball, it’s our sport,” she told the Associated Press. “We grew up playing since we were little and give it every little bit of energy we have.”
On the men’s side, Kobe Bryant revealed this would be his last Olympics. “This is it for me,” he said, “The other guys are good to go.”
Both teams prove USA basketball is simply golden.