First game of Joel Embiid competing for Team USA at the Olympics on Sunday didn’t go as expected. Despite the U.S. winning against Serbia 110-84, Embiid had a tough time and was the only player on the team with a negative plus-minus.
A Tough Start
Embiid tallied 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block in a little over 11 minutes, ending with a -8 plus-minus. This measurement, though not consistently precise, effectively captured his performance on this occasion. Embiid struggled in the beginning, leading head coach Steve Kerr to bench him when Serbia gained a 10-2 advantage. Anthony Davis took over his position and performed noticeably stronger.
Second Half Improvement
Embiid made progress in the second half, but at that point, Kevin Durant and LeBron James had already assisted Team USA in gaining control of the game. Although the team is talented, they require Embiid to perform at a higher level in upcoming matches. If Kerr keeps having difficulties, he may think about switching up the starting lineup, with Davis as the clear choice to replace someone. Davis contributed significantly to the game with a high plus-minus of +28, as well as 7 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
Looking Ahead
The next opponent for Team USA is South Sudan, scheduled for July 31. This is a repeat of a previous exhibition game, in which the U.S. narrowly beat the opposing team 101-100, with LeBron James leading the way. South Sudan will aim to cause an upset, while Team USA is predicted to emerge victorious.
A Hostile Reception
Embiid received negative reactions from French supporters, possibly because he chose to play for the United States instead of France or Cameroon. The French were not happy with this decision, to the point where they instructed Embiid to return his passport upon reaching Paris. Embiid may face ongoing hostility during the tournament, but he has previously dealt with comparable reactions, like from New York Knicks supporters in the 2024 playoffs.
In spite of the challenging beginning and unwelcoming spectators, Joel Embiid has the possibility to recover and greatly contribute to Team USA at the Olympics.
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