Team USA triumphed over Brazil with a score of 122-87 in the Olympic quarterfinals on Tuesday, moving them just two wins away from a fifth consecutive gold medal. They will face Serbia in the semifinals on Thursday.
With this 35-point victory, Team USA has won each of its first four games by at least 15 points, a feat not seen since the 2008 Redeem Team, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Top Performers
Devin Booker led the scoring for Team USA with 18 points, hitting six out of nine shots and making five three-pointers. He also contributed three rebounds and three assists in just 15 minutes of play.
Kevin Durant added another highlight by scoring 11 points and surpassing Lisa Leslie’s all-time Olympic scoring record for Team USA. Durant now holds the record with a total of 494 career points. “Records are meant to be broken,” Durant said. “My focus is on trying to win this gold.”
LeBron James’ Injury
LeBron James had an impressive game too, putting up 12 points, grabbing three rebounds, dishing out nine assists, and making three steals in only 17 minutes. He shot five out of six from the field but had to leave mid-game after getting elbowed above his left eye by Brazil’s Georginho De Paula. LeBron required four stitches but is expected to continue playing without missing any more time.
Fans think it’s amazing how resilient these players are!
Looking Ahead
Despite their undefeated run so far (4-0), Coach Steve Kerr emphasized that they can’t underestimate Serbia in their upcoming match. โWe canโt get lulled to sleep because we beat them twice,โ Kerr stated. โWe have to be prepared for their best effort.โ
Bruno Caboclo was Brazilโs top scorer with an impressive 24 points.
SEMIS SECURED
The men of @usabasketball will face Serbia in the next round.
#ParisOlympics https://t.co/s1PD6pwdCS
Coach Kerr also praised LeBron: โFor a guy who truly is a point forward at heart… heโs crazy,โ referring to LeBron being the leading scorer despite it not being his primary role.
