As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, basketball fans globally are witnessing what could be the final Olympic appearances of two of the sport's biggest stars, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The duo did not disappoint in their likely Olympic swan song, leading Team USA to a convincing 110-84 victory over Serbia in the opener.
Dominant Performances
LeBron James and Kevin Durant were at their scintillating best, combining for 44 points on an ultra-efficient 17 of 22 shooting. Their on-court synergy was evident from the tip-off, setting an authoritative tone that Serbia struggled to match. James, in particular, put on a masterclass performance with nine assists, eight rebounds, and 21 points, filling the stat sheet while keeping the offense fluid and dynamic.
Durant, the all-time leading scorer for the USA in international play, started the game on the bench. However, his introduction was the catalyst Team USA needed to overturn a first-quarter six-point deficit. His late first-quarter contributions not only neutralized Serbia’s advantage but swung the momentum, with the team taking a five-point lead by the quarter's end. Durant's influence was undebatable, as he ensured the U.S. didn't just claw back into the game but seized control decisively.
Strong Support Cast
While James and Durant were the headliners, they were far from the only American players making their mark. Devin Booker was lethal from beyond the arc, hitting four of his five attempts. Jrue Holiday matched Booker’s precision, going four-for-five on three-point shots, while Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards chipped in with three and two three-pointers respectively. The sharpshooting exhibition helped Team USA to a staggering 56% conversion rate from the three-point line.
Team USA's Efficient Offense
The team’s overall shooting was a testament to their offensive cohesion and efficiency, hitting 62% from the field. Every player looked in sync, with the ball movement crisp and purposeful, generating high-quality scoring opportunities that the team consistently capitalized on. Even with such a dominating offensive display, the defense was equally commendable, restricting Serbia to a meager 9-for-37 from three-point territory.
Challenges for Serbia
Led by Nikola Jokic, Serbia had a rough outing against the formidable American side. Jokic’s efforts, though commendable, couldn’t offset the disparity in execution and firepower between the two teams. Serbian players struggled to find their rhythm from long range, and the U.S. defense capitalized on every mistake, turning turnovers and missed shots into fast-break points and furthering their lead.
Impact Players
One notable absence for Team USA was Jayson Tatum, who did not see any action in the game. While Tatum’s presence might have added another dimension to the American offense, his absence was barely felt as James and Durant carried the team on their shoulders, particularly in the first half where they went a perfect 13-for-13 to contribute 33 combined points. Such efficiency underscored just how ready and determined they are to potentially leave the international stage with one last gold medal-winning performance.
As the tournament progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Team USA builds on this dominant start. The blend of veteran leadership, thanks to the likes of James and Durant, combined with the shooting prowess of younger stars, presents a formidable challenge to any opposition. With the 2024 Paris Olympics underway, these performances have indeed set the bar high, and basketball aficionados will be eagerly watching to see if this could be the crowning achievement of two of the NBA's greatest players.