TEAM USA continues to demolish each team that stands in their way, defeating reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s Serbia 105-79 in their second showcase match in Abu Dhabi.
Following a game in which the Americans were given a big late-game fright by the Australians, Team USA responded with a dominating performance in the pre-Paris Olympics display match.
However, just like in their previous encounter, the United States found themselves in a close match with Serbia. Throughout the first quarter, the two teams were simply exchanging baskets, demonstrating a strong contest.
Here comes USA
Stephen Curry started the night on fire for the United States, hitting nine straight points to help the team overcome Serbia’s strong start. Meanwhile, the Serbians relied on their early offense, executing fast break passes one after the other.
Serbia and the United States finished the first quarter tied at 28 thanks to Jokic’s dominance inside the shaded area, as well as his aggressive squad running the floor whenever available.
Photo Courtesy: USA Basketball | Facebook
During the late stages of the second quarter, when Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo were on the court, the United States stepped up their defense to restrict Serbia, while Curry led a counter-run.
The Golden State Warriors guard spearheaded the offensive that took control of the game. He scored nine of his 18 first-half points in just over a minute, culminating in a four-point play that pumped up his team even more.
A more dominant USA
Unlike their previous game against Australia, the Americans played differently in this game, ensuring that they maintained their lead and did not play the poor basketball that had previously caused them concern.
Team USA closed the first half on a 19-5 run to lead 59-45 at the halftime. That streak carried over into the second half, with the Americans outscoring Serbia 24-13 in the third quarter for a dominant 25-point lead.
Serbia never came close to the Americans again, allowing them to win their third consecutive showcase match.
Photo Courtesy: USA Basketball | Facebook
Curry led Team USA in scoring with 24 points, 18 of which came in the first half, while Adebayo followed with 17 points, eight rebounds, and hot shooting from beyond the arc.
Anthony Edwards contributed 16 points and three steals, while LeBron James contributed 11 points. Davis’ spectacular defensive performance included seven points, six rebounds, and six massive blocks.
Defense is the key
Despite possessing NBA quality and offensive firepower, USA head coach Steve Kerr maintained that defense is the key to this monster team, as evidenced by how his team fared in this game.
“We have plenty of guys who can score. That’s not a problem for us. We want defense, defense, defense. The identity of our team is the depth, the strength of our team is the depth.”
Adebayo and Davis, for example, were successful in limiting Jokic to only 8 points, a figure that is significantly lower than his average in the NBA.
“Bam and AD together are really something,” Kerr added. “The switching, they can also protect the rim and be in a drop we go to that coverage. Combined with the ball pressure Book was putting on their point guard, I thought it really set a tone for us.”
The Americans will go to London for their final two showcase matches, against South Sudan on July 20 and Germany on July 22 at London’s 02 Arena.
