OLYMPICS NEWS: Curry Shines in Team Win over Serbia

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TEAM USA SHINES IN ABU DHABI

Stephen Curry led Team USA to a commanding 105-79 victory over Serbia, delivering an outstanding performance as the team prepares for the Olympics. After a relatively quiet start in the first two exhibition games, Curry scored 24 points, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming Olympics.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ADEBAYO AND DAVIS

Bam Adebayo contributed 17 points, Anthony Davis had seven points, six rebounds, and six blocks, Anthony Edwards added 16 points, and LeBron James chipped in with 11, showcasing the U.S. team’s depth and versatility.

DOMINANT DEFENSE AND TEAM DEPTH

The Americans, now 3-0 in their five-game exhibition series, showed their defensive strength by limiting Serbia’s scoring opportunities. Nikola Jokic, Serbia’s star player, managed 16 points and 11 rebounds. Still, it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the high-flying U.S. team. Serbia, playing their second game in two days without their rested captain Bogdan Bogdanovic, struggled to find their rhythm.

OVERCOMING EARLY CHALLENGES

Team USA faced an early challenge, trailing 16-13 in the first quarter. However, a 16-2 run in the second quarter helped them pull ahead, leading 56-42 and maintaining control for the remainder of the game. By halftime, they were up 59-45 and continued to extend their lead, eventually winning by 26 points.

STRATEGIC LINEUP AND STRONG BENCH PERFORMANCE

Joel Embiid’s inclusion in the starting lineup with Curry, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James was strategic to counter Serbia’s tall lineup. Despite not being in peak condition, Embiid was key on both defense and offense.

The U.S. reserves, including Edwards, Davis, Tyrese Haliburton, Bam Adebayo, and Devin Booker, provided a crucial spark off the bench. Their energy and scoring were vital in maintaining the team’s momentum, especially when they turned a first-quarter deficit into a tied game entering the second quarter.

PREPARING FOR PARIS

Kevin Durant remained sidelined, recovering from a calf strain, but Derrick White debuted as Kawhi Leonard’s replacement. White’s inclusion adds another layer of depth to the already talented roster.

With this impressive win, Team USA continues to build momentum heading into the Olympics. Their next stops are in London, where they will face South Sudan on Saturday and Germany on Monday at the O2. Arena. These final tune-up games are crucial for fine-tuning their strategy and ensuring the team is in top form.

BETTING ON TEAM USA

For bettors looking at Olympic betting odds, Team USA’s dominant performances in these exhibitions highlight their potential for success in Paris. With star players like Curry, James, and Embiid leading the charge, the U.S. team is a formidable contender for the gold medal, making them an attractive option for those looking to place bets on Olympic outcomes.