LeBron James and Kevin Durant Lead Team USA to Dominant Victory Over Serbia
In what might be their final Olympic appearances, NBA legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant put on a masterclass to propel Team USA to a convincing 110-84 victory over Serbia in their 2024 Paris Olympics opener.
From the outset, it was clear that the veteran duo came ready to make a statement. Combining for an impressive 44 points on a remarkable 17-of-22 shooting, James and Durant demonstrated why they are considered two of the greatest players of their generation.
Team USA faced a challenging start, trailing by six points in the first quarter before Durant's entrance off the bench turned the tide. His pivotal contributions helped close the gap and ultimately convert it into a five-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Durant's late first-quarter heroics underscored his status as the all-time leading scorer for the USA in international play.
Stepping up in crucial moments is a hallmark of both James and Durant, and they showcased their clutch abilities early on. James recorded nine assists, eight rebounds, and contributed a significant 21 points. Meanwhile, Durant's efficiency was on full display as he and James combined for a flawless 33 points on 13-for-13 shooting in the first half.
Complementing the stellar performances of James and Durant, other Team USA players also shined. Devin Booker demonstrated his sharpshooting prowess, making 4 of his 5 attempts from beyond the arc. Jrue Holiday followed suit, converting four of his five three-point attempts. Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards also chipped in with noteworthy performances from the perimeter, making 3-of-7 and 2-of-3 three-point attempts, respectively.
Team USA's overall shooting was nothing short of spectacular, as they shot 62% from the field and an impressive 56% from the three-point line. Such efficiency was crucial in establishing and maintaining their dominance over Serbia throughout the game.
On the other hand, Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, struggled to find their rhythm from long range, going a dismal 9-for-37 from three-point territory. This disparity in shooting accuracy was a major factor in Team USA's lopsided victory.
Despite Jayson Tatum not seeing any action in the game, Team USA's depth and talent were evident, proving they have multiple weapons at their disposal. The win sets a positive tone for their Olympic campaign and underscores their potential to go deep in the tournament.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, all eyes will be on Team USA and their veteran leaders. With James and Durant likely making their final Olympic runs, the stakes are high, and the expectations even higher. If the opener is any indication, fans and opponents alike are in for a showcase of basketball brilliance.