Team USA secured an impressive 105-79 victory over Serbia in an exhibition game held on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, enhancing their record to 3-0 on the pre-Olympics tour. The game showcased exceptional performances from Bam Adebayo and Steph Curry, who led the team with their scoring prowess and defensive efforts.
Adebayo exhibited versatility and dominance on the court, both inside the paint and from the perimeter, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. He also partnered effectively with Anthony Davis to contain Serbia’s star player, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Davis’s defensive presence was formidable, as he recorded six blocks, including a memorable pin off the glass in the fourth quarter, which earned him a standing ovation.
Adebayo finished the game with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Curry dazzled with his shooting accuracy, scoring 18 points in the first half alone and finishing with six three-pointers and a total of 24 points. Team USA collectively made 16 of their 36 attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing their shooting depth and precision.
Jokic struggled against the robust defense of Team USA, managing only eight points on 3-of-10 shooting. Despite his efforts to rally his teammates and encourage defensive tenacity, Serbia could not counteract the relentless pace and scoring of the American team.
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One of the game’s highlight moments occurred when Curry, after securing a loose ball, swiftly released his fifth three-pointer from the left wing, extending the US lead to 90-63. This play was immediately followed by an emphatic right-handed slam from LeBron James, off a lob from Adebayo, further energizing the team and the audience.
The subsequent possession featured an impressive display of dribbling and passing, culminating in another Curry three-pointer. James then showcased his driving ability with a powerful left-handed finish, increasing the lead to 31 points. Jokic, despite his continuous involvement and encouragement of his teammates, spent the fourth quarter on the bench as Serbia struggled to mount a comeback.
Team USA’s shooting accuracy and depth were pivotal in their dominant performance. Adebayo’s three-pointer from the top of the key late in the third quarter pushed the lead to 81-53, exemplifying the team’s offensive fluidity and defensive solidity.
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The first half concluded with Team USA leading 59-45, thanks in part to their bench outscoring the starters, 30-29. Curry was particularly effective in the first 20 minutes, scoring 18 points, including a personal run of nine consecutive points midway through the second quarter. Anthony Edwards added to the momentum with a three-pointer, giving the US a 47-40 advantage with just over four minutes remaining in the half.
Adebayo extended the team’s run to 13-2 with consecutive baskets, flanked by a pair of blocks from Davis on Jokic. Edwards’s breakaway dunk further stretched the lead to 56-42, highlighting the team’s defensive intensity and transition play.
Looking ahead, Team USA has two more exhibition games before the Olympics commence, with their next matchup against South Sudan scheduled for Saturday in London. The team’s performance thus far indicates a strong preparation phase, with their sights set firmly on Olympic success.
