In a commanding performance, the USA men’s basketball team defeated Serbia 110-84 in their group phase match at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The match began with both teams trading baskets, but the USA’s offense quickly found its rhythm. LeBron James and Kevin Durant led the charge early, going perfect from the field in the first half.
In the second half, the USA’s depth proved too much for Serbia. Contributions from Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant and LeBron James helped the team extend their lead. The USA went on a 15-0 run in the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The Serbian team, led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, struggled to keep pace despite his efforts. Jokic finished with a team-high 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to counterbalance the USA’s offensive onslaught.
Stephen Curry’s early scoring burst was crucial in establishing momentum for the USA. He was well-supported by Anthony Davis, who dominated both ends of the court, and Durant, who continued his efficient scoring. James added a veteran presence and leadership, contributing to the team’s overall performance.
Curry even performed his signature ‘no-look’ three-pointer, putting a dagger into any comebacks Serbia anticipated.
“There are only six of them [games] and each one is important,” Curry said. “We did what we had to do. I think we built a lot of confidence as a team, and we have to continue to build on it.”
On the Serbian side, Jokić was the standout player.
Despite facing a tough defense, he managed to score efficiently and create opportunities for his teammates. However, the absence of key players like Bogdan Bogdanović, who was recovering from an injury, limited Serbia’s offensive options.
The USA’s strategy revolved around fast-paced play and capitalizing on turnovers. They exploited Serbia’s defensive lapses and used their athleticism to dominate in transition.
Head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, including key contributions from players like Bam Adebayo and Devin Booker, provided a spark off the bench, ensuring that the USA maintained a high level of play throughout the game.
Following the contest, Kerr received backlash for not playing Jayson Tatum in the contest.
“I felt like an idiot,” Kerr said.
Kerr pointed out he plans to play Tatum during their next contest versus South Sudan on July 31.
Serbia, known for their strong tactical setup under coach Svetislav Pešić, struggled to contain the USA’s versatile attack. Their attempts to slow the game down and control the tempo were largely unsuccessful against the relentless from the American team.
This victory solidifies the USA’s position as one of the favorites in the tournament, demonstrating their ability to perform against strong international competition. For Serbia, the game was a valuable experience and a reminder of the level required to compete for a medal at the Olympics. Both teams will look to refine their strategies as they progress through the group stage.
The USA will aim to build on this performance, while Serbia will seek to regroup and address the challenges they faced against one of the tournament’s powerhouses. As the competition continues, fans can expect more high-quality basketball and potentially more showdowns between the world’s best players.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral.
