Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, was finally challenged by Team USA in an Olympic exhibition game. Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo’s defensive partnership limited Jokic’s shooting effectiveness as he missed 13 out of 19 shots. Team USA secured a dominant 105-79 win at Etihad Arena to end the game.
Dominant Defense and Depth
Coach Steve Kerr stressed the significance of defense and depth for the Team USA squad. We have many players who are capable of scoring. Also don’t have a problem with that. “We are seeking defense, defense, defense,” stated Kerr. Davis and Adebayo’s impact on Jokic’s performance was clear when they entered the game, assisting in building a 14-point halftime lead.
Davis and Adebayo Shine
He demonstrated his strong defense with six blocks, two of which were against Jokic, while Adebayo provided support in the paint and unexpectedly made an offensive impact with three 3-pointers and 17 points. “Kerr commended the pair, saying they make a great team.” Team USA’s depth was showcased in their performance, an important factor for the upcoming Olympics.
The Starting Lineup and Future Prospects
Kerr has now started Joel Embiid alongside LeBron James and Stephen Curry for three games in a row. “We have choices, but I prefer those three,” Kerr stated. Davis, Embiid, and Adebayo coming together has made Team USA’s front line much stronger compared to the lineup in the previous year’s World Cup.
Jokic vs. Team USA
In the past, Nikola Jokic has performed better than American centers like Davis, Embiid, and Adebayo in NBA games, yet, the combined defensive performance of large players of Team USA effectively negated his impact in this match.
Strong Finish and Curry’s Comeback
In contrast to the messy victory over Australia, Team USA found this game to be more relaxed. Kerr’s choice to put the first-team players back in towards the end of the game communicated a message about ending on a strong note. Stephen Curry, who had difficulty in the game against Australia, came back strong and scored 18 points in only 11 minutes against Serbia, demonstrating his exceptional shooting skills.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Team USA is now on their way to London for their last exhibitions against South Sudan and Germany. Although basketball is not a major sport in England, the popularity of players like Curry and LeBron is projected to attract a lot of interest worldwide. The male Team USA competes on Saturday and Monday, while the female team takes on Germany on Tuesday before moving to Paris for the Olympics.
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