With a decisive 104-83 victory, Team USA win over Puerto Rico – the USA Basketball Men’s National Team secured the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics. The victory wrapped up the group play stage for Team USA. They finished with a perfect 3-0 record in Group C. The game, held in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France, showcased the depth and talent of the U.S. team as they move closer to their goal of winning a 5th consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Anthony Edwards Leads the Charge
Anthony Edwards led the scoring for Team USA with 26 points which marks the third different player to lead the team in scoring in as many games. His performance was complemented by strong contributions from Joel Embiid, who scored 15 points, and Kevin Durant, who added 11 points. Durant’s performance brought him within five points of matching Lisa Leslie’s all-time U.S. Olympic scoring record of 488 points.
A Game of Runs and Defensive Strength
The matchup against Puerto Rico was notable for the explosive second-quarter run that turned the tide in favor of the U.S. After trailing 25-17 late in the first quarter, the Americans used a 28-8 run to close the first half with a commanding 63-45 lead. This pivotal stretch was fueled by a relentless defensive effort. This held Puerto Rico to just 33% shooting in the second quarter, including an 0-of-9 performance from beyond the arc.
“I think our talent took over in the second quarter and we started to wear them down,” U.S. Coach Steve Kerr said. “Our defense kicked in and we had a great quarter, which opened up the game.”
LeBron James recorded all six of his first-half assists during this decisive run. James finished the game with 10 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, continuing his consistent contribution throughout the tournament.
USA’s Balanced Scoring and Depth
Team USA demonstrated its depth with six players reaching double figures. Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis each contributed 10 points. Tatum also pulled down 10 rebounds to secure a double-double. The Americans’ ability to rely on multiple players for scoring and defensive contributions has been a hallmark of their success in the tournament.
“It’s weird because Ant goes off tonight, Bam went off the other night, KD the night before that, Bron’s been consistent the whole time,” noted U.S. guard Stephen Curry. “Everybody else, you find your place with where shots are coming from. It’s not like anybody is taking over every possession. So it’s just a matter of staying locked in.”
Looking Ahead to the Knockout Rounds
With group play concluded, Team USA now heads to Paris for the knockout stages. Begin with a quarterfinal matchup against 12th-ranked Brazil. As the tournament progresses, the level of competition intensifies, and the Americans are aware of the challenges ahead.
“I think we got done what we wanted to accomplish, winning all three games and securing the top seed,” Kerr said. “We know we have to play better. Part of this tournament is it gets harder as you go. Our goal is just to try to get better each game.”
James emphasized the need for continued focus and improvement. “We better be ready to go,” he said, acknowledging the increased stakes of the upcoming games.
92-73 Win Against USA in 2004
The victory over Puerto Rico was a measure of redemption for the U.S. team. Recall their 2004 Olympic encounter when Puerto Rico handed them a stunning 92-73 defeat. This time, the Americans left no room for doubt. USA used their defensive prowess to get a decisive win.
As Team USA prepares for the quarterfinals, their blend of veteran leadership, youthful energy, and strategic adaptability positions them as strong contenders for gold. They aim to continue their winning streak. The upcoming week promises to be a test of their resilience and skill. It is their glory to secure a place in Olympic history.
Game Review:
USA Wins Over Serbia in Olympic Opener: 110-84
USA Wins Over South Sudan: 103-86 Secures Top Spot in Group C
With three dominant performances in France, including victories over Serbia and South Sudan, team USA has set a high standard for themselves. As they head into the crucial stages of the tournament, the focus remains on teamwork.
Schedule: USA Basketball – Showcase and Olympics Schedule 2024
