United States
United Kingdom
Summary:
- Team USA defeated Serbia 110-84 in the opening Olympic basketball contest.
- LeBron James made his comeback to Olympic basketball after his last attendance in 2012.
- Kevin Durant powered the team’s dominant performance, preparing them for Wednesday’s game against South Sudan.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant helped Team USA dominate Serbia in the opening Olympic basketball contest, scoring 110-84.
It was LeBron’s first contest in the quadrennial tournament since 2012 when he won his second consecutive gold medal at the London Games.
The all-time leading NBA scorer brought a lot of energy to the court, giving Team USA high hopes for the upcoming game against South Sudan on Wednesday.
The latter ran the US team close in an exhibition game in London prior to the Games that was decided by just a point.
“LeBron Puts His Imprint On the Game in So Many Different Ways.”
The 39-year-old scored 21 points on Sunday and also had eight rebounds and nine assists that helped his team get the push it needed.
The four-time NBA champion looked like he was prepared to break out of the US backcourt on the fast break, with a tough layup in the third quarter when he powered through a Serb defender for a bucket.
Head coach Steve Kerr commented on LeBron’s performance at the end of the game, saying the iconic player “puts his imprint on the game in so many different ways”, adding that it is not only a matter of skill but also his strength, size, emotion, and confidence.
Just the way he infuses our team with energy and confidence at 39 (years old) is just amazing
Durant, “Back at It Again.”
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant ruled the first half though with 21 points scored on 8-for-8 shooting. It was his fourth time at the Olympics.
Durant is still recovering from a calf injury which is why he had limited play time.
“It’s good to have him back out there. We’ve been seeing him work. Back at it again”, Durant’s Phoenix Suns teammate Devin Booker commented.
“We expect nothing less”, Lakers’ Anthony Davis added, “We know what he can do when the ball is in his hand, and he got hot.”
Serbia will play its next game against Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
Can Team USA make it five in a row at Paris 2024? Get a selection of the best US Odds right here.
