Team USA secured the No. 1 seed in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a commanding 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico on Saturday. The Americans needed at least a five-point win to clinch the top spot, but they left no doubt with a 21-point blowout, showcasing their depth and versatility.
Give that guy a map.
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While the win was a collective effort, several individual performances stood out, including a promising start from Stephen Curry, a dominant display by Anthony Edwards, and another historic milestone for Kevin Durant.
Here are the key takeaways from Team USA’s group play finale:
Windmill jam 🐜✈️
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1. Steph Heats Up (But Cools Off)
Stephen Curry, who has struggled to find his rhythm in his Olympics debut, showed signs of life in the first half against Puerto Rico. After scoring just three points on 1-of-9 shooting in the previous game, Curry started strong with five first-quarter points, including a three-pointer in the second quarter, giving him eight points by halftime.
However, Curry’s shooting touch eluded him in the second half, as he went 0-for-2 from beyond the arc and was ultimately benched in the fourth quarter with Team USA holding a comfortable lead. While Curry’s performance was an improvement, he is still searching for the consistent shooting form that has made him a global superstar.
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pic.twitter.com/eIW9nAhm3T— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 3, 2024
2. Anthony Edwards Dominates
Anthony Edwards once again proved why he’s considered one of the most electrifying young talents in the NBA. The 22-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves star led all scorers with 26 points on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. Edwards also contributed three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 26 minutes off the bench.
Edwards’ energy and aggressive play were infectious, and he continues to be a driving force for Team USA as they head into the knockout stages.
3. Kevin Durant Makes History
Kevin Durant added another accolade to his illustrious career, becoming the all-time leading scorer and rebounder for Team USA basketball. Durant’s 11 points and four rebounds in Saturday’s game pushed him past previous records, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in international basketball history.
Durant was efficient, shooting 50% from the field and 42.8% from three-point range, while also adding three assists and a steal in just under 19 minutes of play. His experience and scoring ability will be crucial for Team USA as they advance deeper into the tournament.
4. Depth on Display
For the first time during the Olympics, Team USA coach Steve Kerr utilized every available player on the roster. While Jrue Holiday sat out with an ankle issue, Kerr’s decision to rotate all his players demonstrated the team’s depth and the coaching staff’s confidence in their entire squad.
With stars like Joel Embiid (15 points) and LeBron James (10 points) contributing alongside role players, Team USA’s balanced attack makes them a formidable opponent as they enter the knockout stages.
5. Team USA Looks Ahead
With the No. 1 seed secured, Team USA will face a more favorable matchup in the quarterfinals. Their dominant performance against Puerto Rico, coupled with strong showings in earlier games, positions them as a top contender for the gold medal. As they prepare for the next stage of the tournament, maintaining their depth, versatility, and high-level play will be key to their continued success.
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