The US won by 26 after a bumpy opening quarter. The win was never in doubt
For many NBA enthusiasts, seeing LeBron James back on the Olympic court might have seemed like a fleeting dream, especially after Team USA’s sluggish start against Serbia on Sunday morning. However, after a 12-year hiatus from the Olympic scene, James was determined to make a triumphant return.
James played a pivotal role in propelling the United States to a commanding victory, despite their early struggles. He racked up 21 points and a game-high 9 assists, leading his team to a 110-84 win at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Known for his relentless drive and competitive spirit, James is acutely aware that the team must step up their game if they aim to clinch the gold once more.
LeBron unhappy, promises improvement against South Sudan
In an interview with NBC following Sunday’s decisive 26-point win, LeBron James emphasized the need for Team USA to handle the ball more effectively and minimize turnovers, which Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, capitalized on in the first half. At 39 years old and likely competing in his final Summer Olympics, James stressed the importance of reducing “careless turnovers” and assured fans that the team would perform better in their next game against South Sudan on Wednesday.
James also commended Kevin Durant, who came off the bench to lead all scorers with 23 points, shooting an impressive 8-of-9 from the field. Reflecting on their newfound partnership, James expressed his delight at having Durant as a teammate.
“Having KD on my side is a real treat,” James said of his former NBA rival. “Everything he does in practice is at game speed, so it’s no surprise when it translates to the court.”
LeBron James and Kevin Durant were unstoppable in the first half, combining to make all 13 of their shots as Team USA rallied. By halftime, the Americans held a nine-point lead, which they extended in the second half, outscoring Serbia by 17 points to secure a comfortable victory.
What is next for our Team USA?
Next up is South Sudan, a team that stunned Puerto Rico with a 90-79 win in their opening game in Paris on Sunday afternoon. South Sudan almost defeated the United States in an exhibition game earlier this month, making their upcoming rematch a highly anticipated matchup. This game will reveal just how much James and his teammates have improved since their last encounter.
