PARIS (Diya TV) – The U.S. men’s basketball team kicked off their quest for gold at the Paris Olympics with a 110-84 win over Serbia. Kevin Durant, who made a strong return after missing exhibition play, led the team with 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Back in Olympic action for the first time since 2012, LeBron James added 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
On the other sideline, Serbian standout Nikola Jokić scored 20 points and dished out 8 assists, but the Serbians were outmatched by Team USA’s depth and shooting prowess. Jokic’s impact was certainly felt as Serbia was -26 with the big man on the bench.
Team USA’s offense was exceptional, shooting 62.3% from the field and 56.3% from beyond the arc. Devin Booker and Stephen Curry’s off-ball movements proved problematic for Serbia’s defense, which couldn’t keep up with the overall speed and quickness of the U.S. offense. Defensively, the front-court trio of Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis controlled the paint.
Jrue Holiday contributed significantly with 15 points, showcasing his offensive skill set. His signature on-ball defense was also a key factor in stifling Serbia’s backcourt. Holiday’s ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes provided a defensive anchor for the team. The performance highlights his importance in both facets of the game.
Interestingly, Jayson Tatum did not see any action, as head coach Steve Kerr opted for a tighter rotation that emphasized better defensive players like Holiday. After the game, Kerr noted how he “felt like an idiot not playing [Tatum].” Based on those remarks, it can be expected that the recent NBA champion will see more playing time in future games for the USA.
That next opportunity will be against South Sudan on Wednesday, following the USA’s narrow 101-100 win over them on July 20. In what was the biggest scare for the U.S. throughout exhibition play, the team has a chance to make the necessary adjustments and get a more convincing win.
