United States Crushes Serbia in Olympic Preparation Match
The United States displayed its arsenal in its first serious warning ahead of the Games, defeating Serbia 105-79 in an Olympic preparation match. The American team, led by Stephen Curry, showed off its potential on both sides of the court, with Curry scoring 24 points in just 21 minutes, including 6/9 on triples.
The Americans took control of the game in the second quarter, going on a devastating 5-31 run, with Curry scoring nine straight points and a sensational 3+1. The game was effectively over when Serbia trailed 45-71, with the rest of the match becoming garbage time.
The Anthony Davis Wall
Under the basket, Anthony Davis was a wall, using his intimidation to dominate the paint. He recorded six blocks, including three in one minute, each one a torpedo against Serbia’s morale. Davis and Bam Adebayo, who played many minutes together, were a formidable duo, with Adebayo scoring 17 points with many resources, including 3/5 on triples.
Doubts about Joel Embiid
With the game already settled, doubts grew about Joel Embiid’s role in the team. He has been a starter in the three friendlies, but looks somewhat lost on both sides of the field, with defensive errors, passes into limbo, and missed shots.
Lebron James and Showtime
With the game long since settled, the Abu Dhabi crowd cheered every action of Lebron James, especially an alley-oop and a Curry triple after a pass behind the back of Jrue Holiday. The last quarter was pure showtime, with Nigel Hayes-Davis, Langston Galloway, and Micah Potter getting minutes as guests at the training camp. The match ended up being less than a friendly.
Serge Ibaka, Coach Svetislav Pesic, and the Comparison to the 1992 "Dream Team"
Serbian coach Svetislav Pesic has already experienced this new version of the US team firsthand and has more reasons to argue his opinion that this US team is comparable to the original "Dream Team" of the 1992 Barcelona Games, featuring Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Pesic has praised the current team, saying that they are as strong as the 1992 team, and that they have the same level of athleticism and talent.