USA Men’s Basketball Dominates Serbia in Olympic Opener
In a highly anticipated matchup, Team USA’s men’s basketball squad delivered a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia in their Olympic opener in Lille, France. The sold-out crowd of 27,000 fans witnessed a thrilling performance, with Kevin Durant leading the charge.
Durant’s Explosive Return
After missing the team’s pre-Olympic tune-up games due to a calf injury, Durant made a triumphant return, scoring 21 points in just nine minutes of play in the first half. He finished with 23 points on 9-10 shooting, including 5-6 from three-point range.
Key Contributors
- LeBron James: 21 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds
- Stephen Curry: 3 three-pointers, including his signature look-away shot
- Anthony Edwards: 3-pointers and an alley-oop dunk
- Derrick White: pesky defense and 2 steals
Coach Steve Kerr’s Masterstroke
Durant’s sixth-man role proved to be a game-changer, and Coach Kerr may stick with this strategy throughout the tournament.
A Global Affair
The electric atmosphere was reminiscent of a World Cup football match, with fans from around the world donning NBA and national-team jerseys, waving flags, and cheering on their favorite players.
USA’s Dream Team
This collection of players, featuring James, Durant, and Curry, is being hailed as the true successor to the legendary 1992 Dream Team. They have the potential to inspire generations of basketball fans worldwide.
Team Effort
The team’s victory was a result of a collective effort, with Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo providing strong support off the bench. Drew Holiday and D. White were the usual stellar defenders.
Nikola Jokic’s Challenge
Serbia’s Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, presented a significant challenge, but Team USA’s defense and offense worked together to secure the win.
Olympic Quest
The victory marks the beginning of Team USA’s quest for their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball.
Next Up
Team USA faces South Sudan in pool play on Wednesday, looking to continue their dominance and march towards Olympic gold.