The United States won their third consecutive Olympic men’s basketball title and 15th overall after comfortably beating Serbia 96-66 in the Rio 2016 final at Carioca Arena 1 ©Getty Images

The United States won their third consecutive Olympic men’s basketball title and 15th overall after comfortably beating Serbia 96-66 in the Rio 2016 final at Carioca Arena 1.

Kevin Durant scored 18 of his game-high 30 points in the decisive second quarter, including 11 in two-and-a-half minute spell that featured a trio of three-pointers and a fast-break slam dunk.

Serbia had battled hard in the first quarter and trailed by only four points after the first quarter at 19-15.

They were blown away though in the second quarter as the US outscored them 33-14 to lead 52-29 at half-time.

The second-half produced more of the same as the US’s skill and intensity at both ends of the floor proved too much for Serbia.

The US's winning margin was the biggest in a men's Olympic basketball final since they beat Croatia 117-85 in Barcelona in 1992.

Carmelo Anthony, who had a quiet offensive game with seven points, became the first men's basketball player to win three Olympic gold medals at what he says are his final Games.

"It was a special moment for me," said the 32-year-old.

"I know this is the end.

"This is it for me."

The United States outclassed their opponents Serbia ©Getty Images
The United States outclassed their opponents Serbia ©Getty Images

US coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will stand down after these Games, leaves his post with three Olympic gold medals and an undefeated record in Olympic competition.

He now hands the reins over to San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, the longest tenured active coach in both the NBA and all US major sports leagues.

Earlier today, Spain edged Australia 89-88 in a thrilling bronze medal match that featured 14 lead changes in the last quarter.

Sergio Rodriguez calmly hit two free throws after a disputed foul call to give Spain a one-point lead with 5.4 seconds remaining.

Australia could not get up a shot on their last possession, sending Spain into raptures and giving them bronze to add to their Olympic silvers from Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

"Three Olympic medals in a row, I think that's pretty remarkable," said Spain’s Pau Gasol, who led all scorers with 31 points and added 11 rebounds.

Australia’s Patty Mills scored 20 of his team-leading 30 points in the second half, but it wasn't enough to give his country what would have been its first Olympic medal in men's basketball.