As the curtains rise on the 2024 Paris Olympics, basketball enthusiasts around the globe are experiencing a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two titans of the sport, are likely making their final bow on this grand stage. Their combined effort set an indelible tone in the Olympic opener, where Team USA surged to a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia.
USA Dominance From the Start
James and Durant wasted no time in showcasing their prowess, contributing a combined 44 points on an exceptional 17-of-22 shooting. Their early influence was palpable, as Team USA shot a blistering 62% from the field and 56% from beyond the arc.
A Balanced Attack
While James and Durant were the obvious headliners, the supporting cast was nothing short of stellar. Devin Booker was near-perfect from long range, hitting 4 out of his 5 attempts. Jrue Holiday was similarly effective, converting four of his five three-pointers. Stephen Curry, known for his sharpshooting, contributed by making 3 of his 7 shots from three-point range. Anthony Edwards also made a significant impact, sinking 2 of his 3 attempts from the three-point line.
Serbia's Struggles
Serbia, led by the formidable Nikola Jokic, found themselves outgunned. The team struggled from the three-point range, going 9-for-37. Despite an initial surge that saw them leading by six points in the first quarter, they couldn't maintain the momentum. Much of the credit for turning the tide goes to Durant. Coming off the bench, Durant turned the game around with his late first-quarter heroics, transforming a six-point deficit into a five-point lead for Team USA by the quarter's end.
Masterclass by the Legends
LeBron James was a maestro on the court, recording nine assists, eight rebounds, and 21 points. Not to be outdone, Kevin Durant, the all-time leading scorer for the USA in international play, ensured his legacy with a stellar performance. The duo was particularly lethal in the first half, combining for 33 points on a perfect 13-for-13 shooting.
Key Absences
Notably, Jayson Tatum did not see any action during the game. While the reasons for his absence were not immediately clear, it did not dampen Team USA’s dominant display.
The match serves as a poignant reminder of the passing of the torch. James and Durant, who have been the pillars of the USA basketball team for over a decade, illustrated that they are still capable of performing at the highest levels. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see whether this experienced squad can continue their dominant run and potentially secure another Olympic gold. For now, their opening salvo in Paris has set the bar incredibly high.