Stephen Curry showcased his offensive prowess as he led the U.S. Olympic team to a resounding 105-79 victory over Serbia in their third exhibition game ahead of the Paris Olympics. Curry's 24 points, along with Bam Adebayo's 17, propelled the U.S. to a 3-0 record in their warm-up matches.
The U.S. team's defensive effort was commendable, with Anthony Davis contributing seven points, six rebounds, and six blocks. Anthony Edwards added 16 points, while LeBron James chipped in with 11.
The game saw the U.S. team strategically setting up Curry for a strong start, with James acknowledging the impact of Curry's early scoring spree on the team's performance.
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the team's depth and defensive versatility as key strengths, highlighting the importance of intense defensive bursts to overwhelm opponents.
Despite a slow start, the U.S. team surged ahead with a 16-2 run in the second quarter, establishing a comfortable lead by halftime. Nikola Jokic led Serbia with 16 points and 11 rebounds, but Serbia struggled offensively, shooting just 41% from the field.
The U.S. team's dominant performance was a preview of the upcoming Olympic clash between the two teams in Group C. The Americans showcased their depth and resilience, maintaining a strong lead throughout the game.
The U.S. team experimented with different lineups, featuring Curry, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid in the starting five. Embiid's presence provided a defensive edge against Serbia's size advantage.
The U.S. reserves once again made a significant impact, outscoring the Serbians off the bench and helping to maintain the team's momentum. Kevin Durant remained sidelined due to a calf strain, while Derrick White made his debut, contributing to the team's depth.
With a convincing victory over Serbia, the U.S. team continues to fine-tune its strategies and build chemistry ahead of the Paris Olympics, aiming for a strong start to their quest for gold.
For more updates on the Summer Olympics, visit AP Summer Olympics.
