Group USA completed off Olympic pool play 3-0 with a 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico to clinch the highest total seed within the medal spherical of the Paris Olympics. The U.S. will now face Brazil within the quarterfinals on Tuesday at Bercy Enviornment.
Group USA defeats Puerto Rico by 21 factors to advance to the quarterfinals on Tuesday at Bercy Enviornment
Group USA entered the matchup as a 36.5-point favourite. Regardless of failing to cowl the unfold, profitable by double digits at Pierre Mauroy Stadium was nonetheless an anticipated end result. The U.S. shot 40-of-81 (49.4%) from the ground and 9-of-32 (28.1%) from 3-point vary.
“I believe we bought performed what we wished to perform, profitable all three video games and securing the highest seed,” Group USA coach Steve Kerr stated. “We all know we’ve to play higher. A part of this event is it will get more durable as you go.
“Our aim is simply to attempt to get higher every recreation, and we’ll have tomorrow off after which a one-week dash, three video games. So, we’ll see how we do.”
Anthony Edwards breaks out the WINDMILL in Paris! 🔥 #ParisOlympics
📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/FdFYNz5eXr
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2024
Anthony Edwards led Group USA in scoring with 26 factors, together with 15 in his first 10 minutes on the ground. He completed 11-of-15 (73.3%) taking pictures. His breakaway windmill dunk within the fourth quarter amused Group USA’s bench.
“I wished to dunk on anyone, however I ain’t bought a lane but,” Edwards stated. “So I’m glad I bought that one.”
Fellow second-unit teammate Kevin Durant scored 11 factors in one other impactful reserve efficiency. He has 48 factors complete throughout the three video games in Lille and is now simply 5 factors shy from setting the all-time American Olympic scoring file, which is at the moment held by Lisa Leslie (488 profession factors).
LeBron James added 10 factors, six rebounds, and eight assists; Joel Embiid posted 15 factors and two blocks whereas being booed
Moreover, LeBron James has began the previous two video games at level guard. He recorded eight assists towards Puerto Rico, ending pool play with 21 complete in three video games. The four-time NBA champion additionally scored 10 factors.
Whereas the People went 3-0 in Olympic pool play, any loss at this level would value Group USA the gold.
“We all know it’s going to be troublesome, it’s going to be difficult,” James stated. “We higher be able to go.”
Then there’s Joel Embiid, who struggled within the opener towards Serbia and sat towards South Sudan. Embiid had his greatest recreation of the Olympics, as he added 15 factors and two blocks.
Joel “Troel” Embiid within the closing possession for Group USA vs Puerto Rico:
-initially holds the ball
-French crowd boos him
-Joel encourages the group to boo louder
-Makes an attempt a brand 3, and airballs it😭
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) August 3, 2024
Though the French crowd booed him once more for selecting to play for Group USA, he views the boos and hisses as a praise for being a more-than-OK basketball participant.
“On the finish of the day, I believe lots of people assume it’s hate. I see it as love and respect,” Embiid stated. “If I wasn’t an OK basketball participant, I might not obtain that sort of therapy and so I see myself as being blessed and that’s why I work together with them.”
Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans, the one NBA participant on the Puerto Rican roster, led his workforce with 18 factors. Alvarado scored 9 factors within the first quarter, and Puerto Rico led by as many as eight.
Practically 20 years in the past, Puerto Rico opened the 2004 Olympics by finishing one of many largest worldwide upsets in historical past, defeating the People by 19 factors. It was the primary loss by a Group USA squad with NBA gamers.
