The USA Basketball senior men’s national team looked different as they took the court for their second group game at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Joel Embiid was absent from the center spot, and Jayson Tatum returned to forward against South Sudan in Lille, France.
The team’s 103-86 win advanced them to the quarterfinals, showing that they are evolving towards their best version.
Here are three key takeaways from the game:
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Steve Kerr’s adjustment with Joel Embiid
Embiid is undoubtedly one of the best basketball players globally but has struggled in the Olympics. Coach Steve Kerr made the decision to insert Anthony Davis into the starting lineup instead of Embiid.
Embiid did not play at all in the game against South Sudan, and the team performed well without him, showcasing great ball movement and scoring balance.
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The emergence of a lethal lineup
A lineup featuring LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant showed promise in the fourth quarter against South Sudan. This lineup could be crucial in their pursuit of the gold medal.
Despite limited experience playing together, the lineup demonstrated its potential to dismantle opposing defenses.
It would be beneficial to see more of this unit in the upcoming games.
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Devin Booker’s defensive impact
Known for his scoring prowess, Booker showcased his defensive skills against South Sudan by successfully containing Carlik Jones.
His effort on defense set the tone for the team, contributing to their victory.
Booker’s defensive performance, along with his offensive contributions, proved valuable in the game.