Team USA men’s basketball is undoubtedly one of the most talented teams ever assembled, with NBA All-Stars, MVPs, and champions at every turn.
Any concerns from exhibition play were quickly laid to rest as they cruised to a 3-0 record in the group stage, outscoring opponents by 21.4 points per game and securing the top seed in the knockout round.
In their first knockout game, the Americans continued their dominance, defeating Brazil 122-87. They led for all but 34 seconds, stretching their advantage to as many as 35 points. By the four-minute mark, they had built a double-digit lead that was never seriously challenged.
Jrue Holiday returned to the starting lineup after missing Saturday’s game against Puerto Rico due to an ankle injury and finished with nine points on 4-of-7 shooting, three assists, and two blocks in 17 minutes. The six-time All-Defensive selection also brought his pesky defense, harassing Brazil’s guards on the perimeter.
After sitting out the first quarter, Jayson Tatum made a key impact during a 15-0 Team USA run to close the first half. Although his stat line shows only five points on 1-of-5 shooting, three rebounds, and one assist, the five-time All-Star made a notable difference on defense. As has been the pattern in Paris, while his offense struggled, Tatum stepped up defensively, finishing with a block and a steal.
Derrick White joined the block party with two of his own, adding points (2-of-6 shooting), four rebounds, and four assists. Five of the seven blocks Team USA recorded in the win came from Celtics players.
Kevin Durant’s 11 points on Tuesday made him the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. in Olympic competition, surpassing Lisa Leslie. Alongside Durant, six other players scored in double figures: Devin Booker led with 18 points, and Anthony Edwards added 17 off the bench.
The United States men’s basketball team is now just two wins away from securing a fifth consecutive gold medal. Their next challenge comes against three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the semifinals, scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday.