By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Just when everybody thought it would go down to the wire, it was not even close.
In a highly-anticipated Paris Olympic preview duel between the Americans and the Serbians, it was Team USA who emerged victorious after handing Serbia a demolition exhibition, 105-79, on July 18, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Playing their third Olympic exhibition match in preparation for the tournament proper on July 28, 2024, Team USA showed no signs of slowing down and banked on a dominant outing in the last three quarters to dispose Serbia.
It was Serbia who took control of the first quarter as their crisp ball movement and high-low plays down the block torched Team USA.
Nikola Jokic, the former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) playing for the Denver Nuggets, bullied his way into the shaded lane and got the better of Joel Embiid’s early coverage.
However, Serbia’s lead was only short-lived after Stephen Curry spearheaded Team USA’s momentum-clinching scoring run that turned the tide in the second quarter.
Curry poured nine out of his 18 markers in the second quarter that ignited a 19-5 run heading into the second half.
That massive scoring run steered the Americans to a sizable advantage, finishing the first half with a commanding 59-45 cushion.
Team USA’s balanced attack then continued to pummel Serbia as they proved to be too much on both ends of the floor.
The frontcourt duo of Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo did wonders for Team USA as the 1-2 punch took turns slowing down Jokic.
Aside from their defense, Davis & Adebayo also chipped in on the offensive end and provided the second-chance points generated from their offensive rebounding.
It was then all Team USA in the fourth and final quarter as Serbia waved the early white flag when they failed to trim their deficit to as low as 10 points.
Leading the way for Team USA’s impressive win over Serbia was Curry who led all scorers with 24 points. Meanwhile, Adebayo’s consistent two-way efficiency was still on full display as he contributed 17 markers.
