Thanks to a confident performance, the US basketball team led by superstar LeBron James beat South Sudan 103:86 (55:36) and secured their place in the quarterfinals early. Serbia, led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, defeated Puerto Rico 107:66.
Especially in the first half, the USA made it clear against South Sudan that they did not want to get into the same predicament as they did just two weeks ago. It was only with the last shot that LeBron James secured his team’s victory against the young team from the still young African state in a friendly match. On Wednesday, however, the USA made things very clear very early on.
USA are sure to be group winners
They were already ahead 26:14 after the first quarter and continued to extend this lead until halftime. Led by the powerful center Bam Adebayo (18 points, seven rebounds) and thanks to very good field goal percentages, coach Steve Kerr’s team had a 19-point lead after just two quarters. Kerr was able to distribute playing time to his twelve NBA stars as he pleased and could also afford to leave center Joel Embiid entirely on the bench.
Nothing changed in the second half. The Americans took it a little slower at first and brought South Sudan closer. But overall, there was no more excitement in the once again packed hall in Lille – at least with regard to the result. After two wins from two games, the USA are now first in Group C before the last group match day and are therefore safely in the quarter-finals.
Puerto Rico has no chance against Serbia
Also on Wednesday, the Serbs, including three-time and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, met outsider Puerto Rico in Lille. The match was just as clear as the favorites’ roles before the match: In a 107:66 (52:35) win, the well-disposed Serbs gave their opponents no chance almost from the start.
Coach Svetislav Pesic’s team was led by Jokic himself. The Denver Nuggets center, currently perhaps the best basketball player in the world, dominated under the basket with his physique. Jokic scored a total of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Overall, however, Serbia impressed with a balanced team performance, with seven players scoring at least ten points.
Christopher Ortiz was the top scorer for Puerto Rico with 19 points. The South Americans now have no chance of reaching the quarter-finals even before their final group match against the USA. Serbia, on the other hand, could advance to the round of the last eight on their own with a win against South Sudan on Saturday.
2024-08-01 00:16:50
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