Staff USA completed off Olympic pool play 3-0 with a 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico to clinch the highest total seed within the medal spherical of the Paris Olympics. The U.S. will now face Brazil within the quarterfinals on Tuesday at Bercy Area.
Staff USA defeats Puerto Rico by 21 factors to advance to the quarterfinals on Tuesday at Bercy Area
Staff USA entered the matchup as a 36.5-point favourite. Regardless of failing to cowl the unfold, successful by double digits at Pierre Mauroy Stadium was nonetheless an anticipated final result. The U.S. shot 40-of-81 (49.4%) from the ground and 9-of-32 (28.1%) from 3-point vary.
“I believe we obtained accomplished what we wished to perform, successful all three video games and securing the highest seed,” Staff USA coach Steve Kerr mentioned. “We all know we’ve got to play higher. A part of this match is it will get tougher as you go.
“Our aim is simply to attempt to get higher every sport, and we’ll have tomorrow off after which a one-week dash, three video games. So, we’ll see how we do.”
Anthony Edwards breaks out the WINDMILL in Paris! 🔥 #ParisOlympics
📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/FdFYNz5eXr
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2024
Anthony Edwards led Staff USA in scoring with 26 factors, together with 15 in his first 10 minutes on the ground. He completed 11-of-15 (73.3%) taking pictures. His breakaway windmill dunk within the fourth quarter amused Staff USA’s bench.
“I wished to dunk on any person, however I ain’t obtained a lane but,” Edwards mentioned. “So I’m glad I obtained that one.”
Fellow second-unit teammate Kevin Durant scored 11 factors in one other impactful reserve efficiency. He has 48 factors whole throughout the three video games in Lille and is now simply 5 factors shy from setting the all-time American Olympic scoring document, which is presently held by Lisa Leslie (488 profession factors).
LeBron James added 10 factors, six rebounds, and eight assists; Joel Embiid posted 15 factors and two blocks whereas being booed
Moreover, LeBron James has began the previous two video games at level guard. He recorded eight assists towards Puerto Rico, ending pool play with 21 whole in three video games. The four-time NBA champion additionally scored 10 factors.
Whereas the Individuals went 3-0 in Olympic pool play, any loss at this level would price Staff USA the gold.
“We all know it’s going to be troublesome, it’s going to be difficult,” James mentioned. “We higher be able to go.”
Then there’s Joel Embiid, who struggled within the opener towards Serbia and sat towards South Sudan. Embiid had his greatest sport of the Olympics, as he added 15 factors and two blocks.
Joel “Troel” Embiid within the ultimate possession for Staff USA vs Puerto Rico:
-initially holds the ball
-French crowd boos him
-Joel encourages the gang to boo louder
-Makes an attempt a brand 3, and airballs it😭
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) August 3, 2024
Though the French crowd booed him once more for selecting to play for Staff USA, he views the boos and hisses as a praise for being a more-than-OK basketball participant.
“On the finish of the day, I believe lots of people suppose it’s hate. I see it as love and respect,” Embiid mentioned. “If I wasn’t an OK basketball participant, I’d not obtain that sort of remedy and so I see myself as being blessed and that’s why I work together with them.”
Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans, the one NBA participant on the Puerto Rican roster, led his crew with 18 factors. Alvarado scored 9 factors within the first quarter, and Puerto Rico led by as many as eight.
Practically 20 years in the past, Puerto Rico opened the 2004 Olympics by finishing one of many largest worldwide upsets in historical past, defeating the Individuals by 19 factors. It was the primary loss by a Staff USA squad with NBA gamers.
