The United States captured their first world basketball title since 1994 yesterday when they defeated Turkey 81-64 in the gold medal match.
The United States captured their first world basketball title since 1994 yesterday when they defeated Turkey 81-64 in the gold medal match.
It was the Americans' fourth world crown and comes two years after they won the Olympic title in Beijing.
Even without 12 of the squad who triumphed in China, they were still too strong for the competition here with Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant again showing off his outstanding talents.
Having scored 38 points in the semi-final win over Lithuania, he added 28 more against Turkey to repay coach Mike Krzyzewski's faith in him.
"It was a great challenge for us," said US captain Chauncey Billups.
ADVERTISEMENT