Team USA Wins Gold in 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup Final

Team USA was confident and dominant as they won the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup Final today with their convincing 129-92 win over Serbia.

With this win, Team USA becomes the first country to win gold at four straight major tournaments (2008 Olympics, 2010 World Cup, 2012 Olympics, 2014 World Cup).

Team USA was led by Kyrie Irving’s 26 points and 10-for-13 shooting and James Harden’s 23 points and 8-for-11 shooting. Team USA got off to a slow start, but Irving led them on a big run and gave them a 35-21 lead at end of first quarter. Irving was named the 2014 FIBA World Cup MVP.

Six other players on Team USA scored in double digits, in addition to Irving and Harden’s performances.

There were four Bay Area representatives participating on Team USA this summer: Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors and Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. All four of these players scored in double digits in today’s championship game.

Aug 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; United States guard Stephen Curry (4) during a game against Brazil at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Curry finished the night with 10 points, and he made two three-pointers. He got off to a slow start and didn’t get his first basket until near the end of the second quarter, but he picked up his game in the second half.

Thompson scored 12 points, had two assists, two blocks, and shot 5-for-8 from the field and 2-for-5 from three-point range. Thompson was efficient the whole game, and he proved yet again to be a valuable piece on Team USA off the bench.

Gay scored 11 points, grabbed three rebounds, and shot 5-for-9 from the field. Gay was also efficient from the field and provided some nice energy plays.

Cousins contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Cousins committed a couple early fouls, but he stayed aggressive on defense and had a couple impressive blocks in the first half.

All four Bay Area representatives had solid games today, and they helped contribute to an efficient shooting night from Team USA overall. Team USA shot 57.7 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range, and 82.8 percent from the free-throw line.

These four Bay Area players represented their respective teams and their country well. What does it feel like to win gold medal? Klay Thompson has the answer.