USA Basketball is competing in its twenty-first Olympic Games. The Americans have a 138-5 record, including 16 gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. In men’s basketball, Team USA has won four consecutive gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020).
USA vs. Serbia At The Olympics.
All-Time Series Record: The USA leads the all-time series 2-0 over Serbia. Both victories came at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Last Meeting: On August 21, 2016, the Americans defeated Serbia (96-66) in the gold medal game of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
USA’s Last Appearance
The United States went undefeated through the USA Basketball Display, finishing with a 5-0 record following wins over Canada (86-72), Australia (98-92), Serbia (105-79), and South Sudan (101-100) and Germany (92-88). LeBron James was vital in the team’s previous victory over Germany, scoring 20 points, including 11 in the final four minutes. He also had six rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block while shooting an astounding 72.7% (8-of-11) from the field.
Fresh off winning gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup last autumn, Germany severely challenged the United States. The Germans led 82-81 with less than four minutes left before James and the United States recovered for a 92-88 victory to conclude the USA Basketball Showcase.
USA Statistics (USA Basketball Showcase)
- Record: 5-0.
- Points per Game: 96.4.
- Rebounds per game: 46.6.
- Assists per game: 21.4
- Steals per game: 8.2
- Field Goal Percentage: 49.7%.
- 3-point percentage: 36.1%.
- Opponent Field Goal Percentage: 41.5%
- Opponent’s three-point percentage: 29.4%.
Serbia’s Final Showing
Serbia finished 3-2 in pre-Olympic exhibitions, winning against France (79-67) on July 12, Japan (119-100) on July 21, and Greece (94-72) on July 22. However, it lost against Australia (84-73) on July 16 and the United States (105-79) on July 17.
On July 22, Serbia defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece 94-72, led by Bogdan Bogdanović and Nikola Jokic. The two combined for 35 points. Bogdanovic went 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, helping Serbia shoot an incredible 12-of-27 (50.8%) from deep. Serbia dominated the game, with Filip Petrušev contributing 15 points as they easily defeated Greece.
What To Watch
The King of the Clutch: LeBron James played critical roles in the United States’ recent victories over South Sudan and Germany. In the triumph over South Sudan, James hit the game-winning shot with eight seconds left, securing a 101-99 victory thanks to his 25-point performance. When the United States trailed 82-81 with four minutes left against Germany, James scored the team’s final 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting in the stretch. James defeated the Germans 92-88.
USA against Serbia Part II: On July 17, the United States dominated Serbia, winning 105-79 thanks to an outstanding defensive scheme led by Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis. The duo efficiently nullified Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP for 2024, limiting him to 32% shooting from the field. Davis was very effective, recording six blocks, several of which came against Jokic. The Americans’ inside defense will be critical as they prepare for the group stage of the Paris Games.
No Fly Zone: The United States’ smothering defense limited its five USA Basketball Showcase opponents to 41.5% field-goal shooting and 29.4% from 3-point range. This defensive dominance has consistently resulted in inefficient attacks from its overseas competitors. Serbia hit 50.8% from beyond the arc in an exhibition versus Greece, led by Bogdanović (5-of-5). The United States will have their hands full with Serbia’s excellent team. The Americans’ defense will likely play a significant role in their first game.
Kevin Durant has a recognized Olympic career with three gold medals (2012, ’16, and ’20), and his name is all over the USA Basketball Olympic record book. Durant has the most points scored in Men’s National Team history, with an astonishing 435 points, 99 more than the second-place finisher (Carmelo Anthony). Durant also has the greatest point-per-game average, at 19.7. He is tied for second in games played at 24, with David Robinson and LeBron James, trailing only Carmelo Anthony’s 31. If the United States wins gold in 2024, Durant will have won four gold medals, the most in Men’s National Team history.
Looking Ahead.
The game versus Serbia will determine the tone of Team USA’s Olympic campaign. An excellent performance will increase their confidence while sending a message to the rest of the competitors. As they launch their quest for Olympic gold, Team USA will concentrate on executing their game plan and playing to their strengths.
In conclusion, as the USA Men’s National Basketball Team prepares for its long-awaited Olympic debut versus Serbia, it is set for an exciting and competitive game. With a star-studded squad and a well-planned game plan, Team USA is ready to make their mark and begin their quest for gold in Paris.
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