The 2024 Paris Olympics Men’s Basketball tournament kicked off with a highly anticipated clash between the United States and Serbia. In what promised to be a competitive showdown, Team USA delivered a commanding performance, securing a 110-84 victory over Serbia and their star player, Nikola Jokic. The Americans showcased their depth and firepower, with five players scoring in double figures and an impressive 62% shooting from the field.
The game didn’t begin smoothly for the American squad. Within the first three minutes, they found themselves trailing 10-2, having more turnovers (two) than made shots (one). However, Devin Booker quickly turned the tide with two crucial three-pointers, settling the team and setting the stage for the American bench to take over.
What sets Team USA apart in international tournaments is their bench depth. Serbia struggled significantly whenever Jokic was off the court, a situation familiar to Denver Nuggets fans. The Serbians held a 20-14 lead when Jokic took his customary break late in the first quarter. By the time he returned at the 8:04 mark of the second quarter, the U.S. had surged ahead with a 30-23 lead, marking a 13-point swing that Serbia couldn’t recover from.
Nikola Jokic had a solid performance, finishing with 20 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, remarkably posting a plus/minus of 0 despite his team’s 26-point loss. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant made a triumphant return to action after missing all five pre-Games tune-ups due to a calf strain. Durant was flawless in the first half, making all eight of his shots, including several contested jumpers, and leading the U.S. offense with his sharpshooting.
The American bench, featuring Anthony Edwards, Derrick White, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo, played a crucial role in the second quarter. They combined for 33 points, turning an early deficit into a nine-point halftime lead. Edwards contributed 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, while James, who was a force with the ball, nearly matched Durant’s output with 21 points on 8-for-9 shooting, adding nine assists and seven rebounds.
The second half was a showcase of American athleticism and defensive prowess. The U.S. used intense ball pressure to force turnovers and create transition opportunities, holding Serbia to just 35 points in the final two quarters. Durant finished the game with a team-high 23 points, despite not scoring a field goal in the second half.
With a convincing win under their belt, Team USA looks ahead to their next matchup against South Sudan on Wednesday, July 31. The Americans will aim to build on their strong start and continue their pursuit of Olympic gold. For Serbia, the loss makes their upcoming game against Puerto Rico a crucial must-win encounter.
The 2024 Paris Olympics Men’s Basketball tournament has only just begun, but Team USA has already made a powerful statement. Their depth, talent, and resilience were on full display in a dominant opening performance against a formidable Serbian team.
