In what is likely the last Olympic dance for basketball titans LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the two stars made an emphatic statement in the opener of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Team USA, powered by the seasoned prowess of James and Durant, soared to a dominant 110-84 victory over Serbia, a team led by the formidable Nikola Jokic.
LeBron and Durant Shine
James and Durant delivered a combined 44 points on an astonishing 17-of-22 shooting performance. James, a maestro on the court, also recorded nine assists, eight rebounds, and 21 points, showcasing his enduring versatility and leadership. Meanwhile, Durant, who came off the bench, proved why he remains the all-time leading scorer for the USA in international play.
Durant's entry into the game was pivotal, especially during a crucial phase towards the end of the first quarter. Team USA found itself trailing by six points before Durant’s contributions transformed the deficit into a five-point lead by quarter's end. By halftime, James and Durant had combined for a perfect 13-for-13 shooting, amassing 33 points and cementing their status as the linchpins of Team USA’s offense.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While James and Durant orchestrated the offense, they were far from the only contributors. Devin Booker displayed sharpshooting skills by converting four of his five attempts from beyond the arc. Jrue Holiday was nearly as effective, sinking four out of five from three-point range. Stephen Curry added to the barrage with three of his seven attempts from distance, and Anthony Edwards connected on two of his three shots from downtown. Team USA's efficiency was remarkable, as they collectively shot 62% from the field and 56% from the three-point line.
Serbia Struggles from Deep
On the other side of the court, Serbia faced a challenging night, particularly from long range. Despite the efforts of Nikola Jokic, known for his all-around game and leadership, Serbia managed only a 9-for-37 performance from three-point range. This stark contrast in shooting efficiency underscored the gap between the two teams in this encounter.
A Clear Statement
This opening victory sends a strong message not only to Serbia but to all contenders in the tournament. The balance of veteran guile and budding talent seems finely tuned for Team USA. Notably absent from the game was Jayson Tatum, who did not see action, but the depth and cohesion of the team were palpable throughout the match.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics progress, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on how Team USA leverages the experience and skill of its senior statesmen, particularly in crucial moments. While fans are bracing for the eventual farewell of LeBron James and Kevin Durant from international play, their twilight performances continue to set a benchmark for excellence, reminding everyone why they are celebrated greats in the annals of basketball history.
With the opener behind them, Team USA looks ahead, but if this game is any indication, their blend of star power and teamwork will make them formidable opponents in their quest for gold. The Paris Olympics have just begun, and already, stories of grit, glory, and greatness are unfolding on the hardwood.