If you are familiar with Stephen Curry, it was expected that he would be putting on a show during the 2024 USA Basketball Men National Team game against Serbia as preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Stephen Curry held a special place for Dejan Milojevic in his heart. Milojevic, a former professional player from Serbia, served as the assistant coach for Curry’s Golden State Warriors and passed away on Jan. 17 from a heart attack at a team dinner the previous night. Milojevic was in his forty-sixth year of life. A Russian ballerina creates artwork using her feet while performing ballet. Curry was prepared to showcase his skills in the USA Basketball game in Abu Dhabi.
Cook scored the first nine points for the US team, and then added nine more in a row in the second quarter, including a four-point play. Stephen Curry scored a total of 24 points, 18 of which were in the first half, leading the top-ranked US team to a 105-79 win against fourth-ranked Serbia. The sellout crowd of 12,517 at the Etihad Arena was impressed by the Americans’ strong performance.
The United States will play in London O2 arena this weekend, facing South Sudan, a first-time Olympic qualifier, on Saturday and 2023 World Cup champion Germany on Sunday to finish their pre-Olympic matches.
Bam Adebayo stood out scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds, with Anthony Edwards contributing 16 points and three steals, and LeBron James adding 11 points for Team USA, who remains undefeated at 3-0 in the USA Basketball Showcase.
Anthony Davis showed his defensive capabilities by blocking six shots while also contributing seven points and six rebounds. Joel Embiid tied Adebayo by grabbing a team-leading eight rebounds.
US coach Steve Kerr expressed that they are improving and heading in a positive direction. I appreciate how the team put in effort defensively and aimed to tire Serbia out with their defensive pressure and ball control. Adebayo made 15 shots from beyond the arc this season, compared to just eight in his last six games.
Adebayo explained, “I continued to shoot after making the first one,” as he shot 35.7% from long range with the Miami Heat in 2023-24. Playing alongside Davis, who currently boasts 12 blocks, the pair has developed into a strong combination at both ends of the court for the US.
“Bam and AD make quite the pair,” Kerr mentioned. The switching can also serve to defend the rim and be part of a drop scheme if we choose that coverage. The pressure Book applied to their point guard, along with the ball pressure, created a strong tone for us.
The lineup for the game consisted of Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, James, and Embiid, which was almost identical to the one used in the USA Basketball Showcase against Canada, except Tatum replaced Devin Booker. This meant that the second group included Tyrese Haliburton, Edwards, Booker, Davis, and Adebayo. Curry, James, and Embiid have participated in every exhibition game so far.
After only one practice with the team in Abu Dhabi, Derrick White, who was brought in as an injury replacement, made his debut by playing short stretches in the second and fourth quarters. He recorded one point and four rebounds in slightly more than 9 minutes of playing time.
Embiid mentioned that most of the turnovers they’ve had were due to miscommunication when starting with Stephen Curry and James. However, it is beneficial. I am experiencing the best moments of my life. I am not required to do anything. I’m content just relaxing. Simply spending time together, engaging in small activities, and enjoying each other’s company while achieving victory.
Kevin Durant, the top scorer in US Olympic history, was unable to play in the three USA Basketball Showcase games due to a calf injury, but he did participate in pregame activities on the court.