USA vs. Serbia 2016 live stream: How to watch Olympic basketball gold medal game online

One step remains between USA Basketball and their third consecutive Olympic triumph. Team USA will go toe-to-toe with Serbia in the Olympic basketball gold medal game on Sunday afternoon in Rio.

NBC will televise the 2:45 p.m. ET game, which can be streamed online through NBC Sports.

The Americans haven’t been their usual swashbuckling selves in Rio, but they’re still on track to accomplish what they set out to do. A gold medal will silence any critics, even if the road to the title wasn’t exactly lined with glory.

Once the elimination rounds got underway, Team USA snapped to attention. The lackadaisical efforts spotted in the group stages have been washed away, and the errant defense has tightened once again.

Changes to the rotation have aided that progression, particularly the introduction of DeAndre Jordan to the starting lineup. Jordan might not be the most diverse offensive player in the world, but he’s a pain in the ass for every team at this tournament to deal with. Jordan exerted his otherworldly size and athleticism to great effect on both ends against Spain, playing a major part in the semifinal victory.

Team USA’s bench has been another major factor behind their success. Paul George and Kyle Lowry have been provided consistent sparks with their two-way play, shoring up weaknesses that have at times been exposed in the starting group. USA’s best lineups have consistently featured one or both of George and Lowry, a trend that figures to continue against Serbia.

The Serbians already provided a sharp test for the Americans in their group stage game, and the Olympic final should be no different. Serbia bullied the Australians in the semifinals, throwing their offense out of gear with a masterful game plan. The final will be the biggest game of their lives, but the Serbians are built for this. They play tough, sound basketball and won’t wilt under the bright lights.

Forty minutes separate one of these teams from Olympic immortality. If Team USA plays the way they’re capable of playing, Serbia shouldn’t stand a chance.

Time: 2:45 p.m. ET

TV: NBC

Online Streaming: NBC Sports