It wasn't always easy, but the United States men's basketball team will nonetheless compete for gold in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
After beating Spain in Friday's semifinal matchup, Team USA will vie for its third-consecutive gold medal. It's hardly a formality. Serbia, who fell to the favored Americans by three points in preliminary play, demolished Australia to secure its first medal ever in Olympic basketball.
Following losses on Friday, Spain and Australia will settle for a consolatory bronze-medal match. While it's a step down for Spain, who earned silver in 2008 and 2012, the Aussies can claim their first medal in their fourth bronze bout.