The U.S. men’s basketball team continued its gold medal defense Sunday at the Paris Olympics with a 110-84 victory over Serbia.
Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting to lead the way for the United States. Durant, who missed all of the exhibition play leading up to Paris, dominated coming off the bench. LeBron James, playing in the Olympics for the first time since 2012, posted 21 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, picking up where he left off in London 12 years ago.
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Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, led Serbia with 20 points and 8 assists, adding 5 rebounds for good measure. But the Serbs were overwhelmed by the talent of the American side. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the U.S. took the lead in the opening 10 minutes and didn’t relinquish the rest of the way.
America’s shooting was unranked at its inception. The USA shot 62.3% from the field, including 56.3% from three. Moving players like Devin Booker and Stephen Curry off the ball was problematic for the Serbian defense, and States’ other perimeter stars were able to capitalize on their screens and movement. Meanwhile, the front-court rotation of Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis was solid defensively, with practically every Serbian player in the paint outside of Jokic.
Contributions came from across the US roster. Jrue Holiday scored 15 points in addition to his defensive skills on the ball. Booker had 12, while Curry and Anthony Edwards each added 11. Edwards also brought his trademark attitude, inviting some Serbian defenders to dance on his two buckets.
Durant’s return bolstered the USA attack, which tightened the rotation. It looks like Durant will come off the bench and put Jayson Tatum on the ice — for now. Tatum, the reigning NBA champion, did not see action in the opener. With so much firepower between James, Durant, Booker, and Davis, coach Steve Kerr chose more defensive-minded players behind them.
Sunday’s win was impressive, even though the U.S. is the favorite to win a fourth straight gold medal. What Serbia lacks in NBA depth it makes up for in cohesion. Serbia won silver during last year’s FIBA World Cup and also features current NBA stars Nikola Jovic and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
The USA’s next group game is against South Sudan on Wednesday. The two teams played recently, with the United States winning 101-100 on July 20.
