Stephen Curry led the USA Basketball Men’s National Team to a commanding 105-79 victory over Serbia in a tune-up game for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The game, held at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, saw Curry dedicate his performance to former Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who passed away earlier this year.
Curry scored the first nine points for the U.S. and continued his hot streak by adding another nine consecutive points in the second quarter, including a four-point play. He finished the game with 24 points, with 18 scored in the first half. “Getting our chemistry right leads to good shots,” Curry said.
The game also featured strong performances from Bam Adebayo, who scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Anthony Edwards, who contributed 16 points and three steals. LeBron James added 11 points, while Anthony Davis showcased his defensive prowess with six blocks.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr praised the team’s defensive effort, stating, “I like the way the guys came out and really competed defensively and tried to wear Serbia down with the ball pressure and the defense.”
Despite early turnover issues, the U.S. took control in the second quarter, sparked by Curry’s scoring burst. By halftime, the U.S. led 59-45 and never looked back, outscoring Serbia 24-13 in the third quarter to seal the win.
Joel Embiid, who matched Adebayo with a team-high eight rebounds, noted the team’s improving communication and chemistry. “It’s good. I’m having the time of my life. I don’t have to do anything. I’m happy just chilling. Just hanging out doing the little things and just playing together and winning,” he said.
The U.S. team will continue its pre-Olympic preparation with games against South Sudan and Germany in London. Kerr emphasized the team’s defensive focus, saying, “The whole focus for this team is defense, defense, defense… The only thing that matters is winning and our guys know that.”
Serbia’s Nikola Jokic led his team with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Aleksa Avramovic added 14 points. Serbia, coming off a loss to Australia, struggled to keep up with the U.S. after a competitive first quarter.
The game served as a potential preview of the Group C opener at the Paris Olympics, where the U.S. and Serbia will meet again.