July 28th 2024.
As the national anthem echoed through the arena, LeBron James couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. It had been 12 years since he last played in the Olympics and the pressure was on for him and his team to bring home a fifth consecutive gold medal for the United States. But as soon as the game began, any nerves or anxiety quickly dissipated.
James, along with teammate Kevin Durant, led the charge for the American team. Their experience in previous Olympic games made them the most seasoned players on the roster. And they certainly showed it. Durant made his first eight shots and ended the game with 23 points, while James added 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Together, they helped the US secure a dominant 110-84 victory over Serbia in their first game of the Paris Olympics.
After the game, James reflected on their performance, stating that it was the best game they had played so far this summer. The team had a perfect 6-0 record leading up to the Olympics, but now it was time for the real test.
Durant and James were a force to be reckoned with, combining for 18 out of 22 shots made. With their incredible shooting, the US had no trouble defeating Serbia, who were the reigning World Cup silver medalists from the previous year. But it wasn't just Durant and James who contributed to the victory. Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, and Stephen Curry all played key roles, proving that the American team had a wealth of talent and firepower.
Despite their impressive performance, the US team knew they couldn't get complacent. They were determined to take each game as it came and continue to play at this high level throughout the tournament.
Their next game would be against South Sudan, a team they had narrowly escaped against in an exhibition game just weeks before. Meanwhile, Serbia would face off against Puerto Rico, a game that could potentially determine the fate of both teams in the tournament.
The game started off rocky for the American team as Serbia took an early lead of 10-2. But the US quickly regrouped, and with a change in their lineup, they turned the game around. James' three-point play in the first quarter gave the US their first lead, and from there, they never looked back.
Durant's hot hand continued, and he ended the first half with a perfect 8-for-8 shooting, including a buzzer-beating shot that gave the US a comfortable 58-49 lead. Serbia simply couldn't keep up with the American's fast-paced offense, and the US lead only continued to grow in the second half.
The highlight of the game came from Anthony Edwards, who made an impressive baseline score that left even Curry dancing with excitement on the sidelines. And it was Curry's debut in the Olympics, adding to the team's already impressive lineup.
In the end, the US secured a convincing victory, improving their overall Olympic record to 144-6 and remaining undefeated when scoring over 100 points. Curry summed up the team's performance, stating that it was crucial for them to start the tournament strong, with every game being so important. He also gave credit to Durant for his outstanding first-half performance and their team defense in the second half that ultimately sealed the win.
As the US team celebrated their first win of the Olympics, they knew that they couldn't let their guard down. With tough competition ahead, they would need to continue playing at this level if they wanted to bring home another gold medal for their country. And with such a talented and driven team, there was no doubt that they would give it their all in every game.
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