By Johanna-Rosalye Luna
PHOENIX, AZ – In a high-energy start to the Olympic basketball tournament, Team USA overcame an early deficit to Serbia, ultimately securing a 110-84 victory. The game, marked by aggressive plays and stellar performances, showcased why Team USA remains a dominant force in international basketball.
Yokic and Team Serbia tipped off with a quick and aggressive game, jumping to a rapid lead over Team USA. The Serbians started strong, leading 10-2 early in the first quarter. However, Team USA quickly found their rhythm, evening the score at 20 by the end of the first quarter and ending it with a 23-20 lead after an 11-0 run led by Kevin Durant.
Participating in their 21st Olympiad, Team USA boasts an impressive 138-5 record, with 16 gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. Their undefeated 5-0 run in the USA Basketball showcase leading up to the Olympics, with victories over Canada, Australia, Serbia, South Sudan, and Germany, set high expectations. In contrast, Serbia’s pre-Olympic exhibitions saw them go 3-2 with victories against France, Japan, and Greece.
Kevin Durant, easing into the game after missing the exhibition games due to a hamstring issue, quickly found his stride. Durant scored 21 points on a perfect 8-8 from the field, including 3-3 from beyond the arc, in the first half alone. “He’s one of the greatest to do it,” said Team USA assistant coach Erik Spoelstra at halftime. Durant finished the game with 23 points, becoming the first player in Team USA history to shoot perfectly from 3-point range with five or more attempts.
LeBron James, echoing the sentiment of a gold-medal sprint, contributed significantly with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. “It’s a sprint for gold,” James emphasized, aligning with head coach Steve Kerr’s gold-or-nothing approach in his first year at the helm.
Despite early concerns about Team USA’s preparedness following lackluster exhibition performances and player inactivity, they proved unstoppable once the official play began. “You are representing something bigger than yourself,” said Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, highlighting the pride and responsibility felt by the players.
Serbia managed to keep pace initially, taking advantage of Team USA’s foul trouble in the second quarter. However, by halftime, Team USA extended their lead to 58-49. The third quarter saw Team USA’s largest lead, stretching it to 78-63. Serbia attempted a comeback, but the U.S. team’s talent and cohesion were too much to overcome.
The game’s atmosphere was electric, with fans singing “Sweet Caroline” as Team USA maintained their lead. Bam Adebayo delivered a powerful performance in the fourth quarter, and Devin Booker sealed the victory with 12 points, including 4-5 from 3-point range, extending the lead to 101-79. Steph Curry, making his Olympic debut, to give “the perfect finisher” in the final shot of the game for a final score of 110-84.
The victory drew comparisons to the legendary 1992 Dream Team, with Serbian coach acknowledging the talent, saying, “This team is better,” recognizing Team USA’s roster of the world’s best basketball players.
All Team USA players who stepped on the court scored, with the exceptions of Jason Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, who did not play. Everyone except Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo scored in double digits, demonstrating the team’s depth.
Team USA will face South Sudan in their second group phase game on Wednesday, July 31, continuing their quest for Olympic gold in Lille, France.
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