Stephen Curry didn’t score much in the first two exhibition games of the U.S. Olympic team before the Paris Games. But on Wednesday, with less than two weeks until his official Olympic debut, Curry became more aggressive.
He scored 24 points, Bam Adebayo added 17, and the U.S. defeated Serbia 105-79 to remain undefeated at 3-0 in their five-game exhibition series leading up to the Paris Olympics.
Anthony Davis contributed seven points, six rebounds, and six blocks, playing a key role in the U.S. defense that kept Serbia in check. Anthony Edwards also had a strong game with 16 points, while LeBron James chipped in with 11.
Curry made a quick start by scoring the first nine points for the U.S., which was a strategic move according to James.
“We planned it that way to get him going,” James explained. “Once he sees the ball go through the hoop, you can see how it opens up the game for him and for all of us. He set the tone.”
The U.S. had a lead of up to 31 points in their final warmup game held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Next, the team will travel to London for two more preparation games before heading to France. They will face South Sudan on Saturday and Germany on Monday at London’s O2 Arena.
Coach Steve Kerr is pleased with the team’s progress and emphasizes the importance of their ability to use different defensive strategies effectively against opponents.
“I believe our team’s strength lies in our depth,” Kerr stated. “If we can sustain 4- or 5-minute bursts of strong defense, physical play, and aggressive rebounding, then that’s how we should play. We’ll see if we can maintain this style.”
The U.S. started unevenly but used a 16-2 run in the second quarter to build a 56-42 lead, going into halftime ahead 59-45.
Nikola Jokic led Serbia with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Aleksa Avramovic contributed 14 points. Serbia, playing its second game in two days without captain Bogdan Bogdanovic, struggled offensively, shooting only 41% (29 of 71). The U.S. dominated the rebounding with a 30-21 edge, with Adebayo and Davis combining for 14 rebounds.
“Bam and AD playing together are quite formidable,” Kerr commented. “They can switch defensively and also protect the rim when needed.”
Wednesday’s game was an important preview for both Serbia and the U.S., who will compete in Group C at the Olympics. They will face each other in their quest for gold on July 28.
