Final Score: United States 105, Serbia 79
In an impressive display of depth and firepower, Team USA triumphed over Serbia in their latest exhibition match in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Americans outscored Serbia 77-51 in the last three quarters to secure a 26-point victory, improving their pre-Olympic showcase record to 3-0.
Key Performances:
- Stephen Curry led Team USA with 24 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the floor and making six three-pointers.
- Bam Adebayo contributed 17 points, including three three-pointers.
- Anthony Edwards continued to show his consistency, adding 16 points.
- Anthony Davis had a notable defensive impact, blocking several shots.
Serbia’s star player, Nikola Jokic, was held to eight points and seven rebounds, shooting 3-of-10 from the floor.
Game Progression:
- First Quarter:
- Early lead by USA with Curry scoring his team’s first nine points.
- The quarter ended tied at 28-28 after a late layup by Serbia.
- Second Quarter:
- Serbia started strong with a 6-0 run.
- Team USA’s 19-5 run, sparked by Curry’s four-point play and Edwards’ three-pointer, gave them a 59-45 halftime lead.
- Third Quarter:
- USA’s dominance continued, with Curry, Adebayo, and Edwards combining for 49 points by the end of the third quarter.
- The quarter ended with Team USA leading 83-58.
- Fourth Quarter:
- A commanding performance extended the lead further.
- LeBron James highlighted the quarter with an alley-oop and strong finishes.
- The game concluded with Team USA securing a 105-79 victory.
Upcoming Matches:
Team USA will travel to London for two more exhibitions against South Sudan and Germany. Their Olympic journey will commence with Group C games in Lille against Serbia (July 28), South Sudan (July 31), and Puerto Rico (August 3). The knockout rounds will then take place in Paris, with the quarterfinals on August 6, semifinals on August 8, and the gold medal game on August 10 at Accor Arena.
