The United States took on Serbia for their first game of men’s basketball at Paris 2024. The game was at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. The game started at 8:15 am PST. This was the first game of the tournament for both teams. It was a Group C game.
The United States are the top basketball nation in the world. The expectations for the Olympics are always high. They were doing alright going into this tournament. They won all of their games leading up to this tournament. They are dedicated. They are motivated. The question then becomes about chemistry. How well are they going to work together and are they going to do what it takes to win? They did not win they had a poor preference at the FIBA World Cup last year. They did lose a game at Tokyo 2020 which was a big deal. Which is largely why questions surround the team. Serbia did not qualify for Tokyo 2020 after getting silver at Brazil 2016. They were the runners up in last years FIBA World Cup. They are not a bad team.
The United States took a 25-20 lead after the first quarter. Serbia was still in the game after the first quarter. The United States were leading 58-49 after the second quarter. They had a nine point lead at halftime. Serbia was staying in the game.
The United States held Serbia to just 16 points in the third quarter. This helped give the United States a nineteen point lead. The score was 84-65 USA. The United states held Serbia to just nineteen points in the fourth quarter. This helped the United States get a 26 point lead. The final score was 110-84 USA.
It was a solid game for the United States. They wanted a strong start to this tournament and that is what they got. The United States held Serbia to under 21 points in three quarters. The United States scored over 25 points in all four quarters. The United States have set the tone for the Olympics. The United states does need to work on offensive rebounds, turnovers, and steals. Serbia needed more offensively but the United States was too much. Serbia fell apart in the second half. 16 points in the third quarter will not get the anywhere in the Olympics. Now Serbia will look to bounce back against Puerto Rico.
The United States lead the field goals with a 62% conversion rate. They went 43 for 69. Serbia was able to get five more shots off than the United States. A 42% conversion rate is not enough to beat the USA. The United States went 56% for three pointers. They went 60% on free throws. Serbia has the better free throw percentage at 76%. Serbia got four more offensive rebounds than the United States. The United States led in defensive rebounds and total rebounds. The United States led in assists. The United States led in turnovers. Serbia led in steals. The United States had more fouls. The United States let Serbia score twenty five points on turnovers.
The United States lead Group C. South Sudan are second in the group. Puerto Rico are third in the group. Serbia are last in the group. At this point it is just a three way battle for the second or third spot as the United States looks unstoppable. They are the only team to cross over 100 points so far.
The United States take on South Sudan for their second game of the group stage. That game will be on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024. Kick off is scheduled for 12:00 PM. That game will be at Pierre Mauroy Stadium.The United states only won their last game against South Sudan by one point.
Zac Electrifly 
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