Steph Curry scored 24 points as the United States improved to 3-0 in pre-Olympic men’s basketball exhibition action with a 105-79 win over Serbia in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Bam Adebayo added 17 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Anthony Edwards had 16.
Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic led Serbia with 16 points.
Tied 28-28 after one quarter, the Americans broke it open in the second quarter when they outscored Serbia 31-17.
The favoured Americans now have wins over Canada, Australia and Serbia.
The U.S. continues its pre-Olympic schedule Saturday against South Sudan in London
In a highly anticipated pre-Olympic men’s basketball game, Team USA showcased their dominance by defeating Serbia with a final score of 116-85. The game, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, was a strong statement from the American team as they prepare for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
From the opening tip-off, Team USA came out with a sense of urgency and intensity that set the tone for the entire game. Led by stars such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum, the American squad displayed their superior athleticism and skill on both ends of the court. Their fast-paced style of play and relentless defense proved to be too much for the Serbian team to handle.
One of the standout performances of the game came from Kevin Durant, who finished with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting. His scoring ability and versatility on the court were on full display as he consistently found ways to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Damian Lillard also had a strong showing, contributing 19 points and 6 assists while showcasing his trademark shooting range and playmaking abilities. Jayson Tatum added 15 points and 6 rebounds, further solidifying his status as one of the rising stars in the NBA.
On the defensive end, Team USA’s pressure defense caused havoc for the Serbian team, forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Their ability to disrupt the flow of the game and turn defense into offense was a key factor in their victory.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Serbia put up a valiant effort and showed flashes of their own talent and skill. NBA players such as Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic led the charge for the Serbian team, but ultimately they were unable to keep up with the relentless pace and firepower of Team USA.
The victory over Serbia serves as a strong statement from Team USA as they look to reclaim their status as the dominant force in international basketball. With the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, this win will undoubtedly boost their confidence and momentum heading into the tournament.
Overall, Team USA’s dominant performance against Serbia in this pre-Olympic matchup is a clear indication of their readiness and determination to bring home the gold medal. Fans can expect more exciting and high-level basketball from this talented group of players as they look to make their mark on the global stage.