Classic Games: Kyrie takes USA excellence to new heights in rout of Serbia at 2014 World Cup in Spain
MIES (Switzerland) - The United States put an exclamation mark on their dominating performance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 by overwhelming Serbia in Madrid.
MIES (Switzerland) - The United States put an exclamation mark on their exquisite performance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 by overwhelming Serbia in the Final.
Four years on from their unbeaten run at the World Cup in Istanbul, where Kevin Durant led the team to glory in the title game over Turkey, Kyrie Irving this time seized the mantle of the tournament's best player while firing the Americans to a 129-92 triumph over Serbia.
As part of our Classic Games series, this amazing game will be streamed in full at 9PM CEST (GMT+2) on Thursday on FIBA's Facebook and YouTube channels.
Serbia didn't look like a team that was headed for a showdown with the defending champions after falling in the Group Phase to France, Brazil and Spain. Yet with a renewed focus, energy and confidence in the knockout round, the team from the Balkans blew out Greece and Brazil and then edged France in a Semi-Final thriller to reach the showpiece game
Against a United States team that had crushed all of its opponents, Serbia got off to an electrifying start with point guard Milos Teodosic pulling the strings.
"THIS IS BY FAR THE BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN MY LIFE SO FAR. I DID THIS WITH GUYS I CAN CALL MY BROTHERS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE."
But the sensational, multi-faceted play of Irving and James Harden and the high-flying dunking machine, Kenneth Faried, took control early for the favorites. The Americans also got outstanding defense from DeMarcus Cousins.
After pouring in 35 points in the first quarter, the USA were in complete command by half-time with a 67-41 lead. Irving razzled and dazzled, scoring on wonderful drives to the basket and also with his pin-point accuracy from long range. He made all six of his attempts from behind the arc and finished with 26 points in 24 minutes.
The Americans won 129-92 and lifted the trophy to the heavens, with Irving named as the tournament MVP.
"This is by far the biggest accomplishment in my life so far," Irving said. "This is one of the greatest moments in my life. I did this with guys I can call my brothers for the rest of my life. You're part of something bigger than yourself."
With the triumph, the USA put itself into position to make a run at a third straight world title in 2019, something that has never been accomplished.
FIBA