The USA men’s basketball team kicked off their Paris 2024 Olympic campaign with a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia.
Despite a shaky start, they swiftly rallied and displayed their skills, led by stellar performances from Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
The bench provided critical support, solidifying Team USA’s dominance.
Game Control After A Rocky Start
The game began with a surprising 2-10 lead in favor of Serbia, shocking everyone except maybe Serbia’s fans. Nonetheless, Team USA regrouped quickly. By the end of the first quarter, they turned the tables, leading 25-20. Special shoutout to Durant and James for their instant counterattack, making Serbia’s early hopes evaporate.
The second quarter was where the bench shined like unexpected backup dancers stealing the show.
The U.S. reserves showed they were more than just seat warmers. They were essential to solidifying Team USA’s dominance in the match.
Kevin Durant’s Perfect Day
Kevin Durant, playing like he had a personal vendetta against the rim, went 8-for-8 from the field by halftime.
That’s right, folks, he didn’t miss a single shot. He finished with 23 points, proving that a calf injury couldn’t keep him from dominating. His impeccable shooting was like poetry in motion. If poetry involved dazzling dunks and swishes.
LeBron James’ All-Around Game
LeBron James, the Swiss Army knife of basketball, brought his A-game with a splendid 21 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. It was like watching a multi-tasking superhero who could hoop, pass, and snatch rebounds all at once. His veteran presence was undeniable. It seemed like he had an extra gear whenever the team needed a spark.
LeBron showed that age is truly just a number, at least when you’re King James.
Team Dynamics
The USA team displayed exceptional synergy, proving that talent alone doesn’t win games. It’s the blend of coordination and strategy that makes champions. Taking shots was almost an art form for them, with a 62% field goal percentage. Serbian defensive schemes looked like Swiss cheese.
Everyone pitched in, from starters to bench players: this wasn’t a one-man show but a full orchestra of basketball brilliance.
On defense, Team USA turned into a suffocating shadow, particularly when Nikola Jokic took a breather. They stifled Serbia to the point where scoring seemed more like a dare than a task. Their relentless hustle and strategic switches ensured Serbia’s offense was stuck in first gear.
Coach Steve Kerr’s defensive schemes were the unsung hero, putting the brakes on Serbia’s surge.