USA vs. Serbia – Since 1992, the USA Basketball Men’s National Team has embarked on its ninth pre-Olympic exhibition tour, boasting a remarkable 36-3 record in these games.
Game Information
- Opponent: Serbia
- Date & Time: July 18, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. GMT+8
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Where to Watch: FS1
- Live Stats: usab.com
- Social Media: X: @usabasketball Instagram: @usabasketball
USA vs. Serbia: Series History in Pre-Olympics Showcase
- Series Record: The USA holds a 1-0 record against Serbia in pre-Olympic tour settings dating back to 2004.
- Last Meeting: The United States defeated Serbia-Montenegro 78-60 on August 6, 2004, in Belgrade, Serbia. (Serbia and Montenegro split in 2006.)
Team USA – Last Performance
Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards led the charge in the USA’s recent 98-92 victory over Australia on July 15. Davis recorded a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Booker and Edwards added 16 and 14 points, respectively. The team’s impressive 41.4% (12-29) shooting from beyond the arc was a key factor in their win.
Despite a late-game rally from Australia that brought the score within four points, the Americans managed to hold on and secure the victory.
Read More:
Team USA Shines in 1st Olympics Exhibition, 86-72 Edging Out Canada
USA Triumphs Over Australia 98-92 in 2nd Pre-Olympic Warm-Up
Team Serbia – Last Performance
Serbia stands at 1-1 in pre-Olympic exhibitions, following a 79-67 victory over France on July 12 and an 84-73 loss to Australia on July 16. In their defeat against Australia, Serbia struggled with three-point defense and free throw disparity, allowing Australia to shoot 43.5% (10-23) from beyond the arc and take 23 free throw attempts compared to their own 11.
Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, led Serbia with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, shooting 6-of-10 from the field.
Key Players and Matchups
- (AD)ominating the Boards: Anthony Davis has been a force on the boards, averaging 12.5 rebounds per game across two exhibition matches. If he maintains this level of performance during the Olympic competition, he could make USA Basketball history by surpassing Tim Duncan’s 2004 record of 9.1 rebounds per game.
- Shooters Shoot: Serbia’s offense has been less reliant on three-point shooting, attempting only 22 shots from beyond the arc against Australia and making just three. In contrast, Team USA’s strategy has emphasized aggressive three-point shooting, with 29 attempts and 12 makes against Australia.
- Champions on Display: Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White are fresh off a championship run with the Boston Celtics. They join a select group of players who have won an NBA championship and competed in the Olympics in the same year, including LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen.
- Tactical Edge: The 2024 USA Men’s National Team is guided by an impressive coaching staff. Head coach Steve Kerr, along with assistants Tyronn Lue and Erik Spoelstra, brings a wealth of experience, with seven NBA championships and 15 NBA Finals appearances combined. NCAA coaching legend Mark Few also joins the staff, boasting an 83.4% win rate and 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
USA vs Serbia Looking Ahead
Team USA aims to build on their momentum as they take on Serbia in Abu Dhabi. Following this matchup, the Americans will continue their exhibition schedule with games in London against South Sudan and Germany. The real test begins on July 28, when the USA opens Olympic play against Serbia.
With their depth, talent, and experience, Team USA remains a formidable contender as they prepare for their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Read More: USA Basketball – Showcase and Olympics Schedule 2024
