Team USA Focuses on Defense for Olympic Hopes

In a thrilling showdown at Bercy Arena, the U.S. men's basketball team faced a formidable challenge against Serbia, particularly in the fourth quarter. Despite a slow start, the American squad, featuring stars like Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid, showcased an unexpected level of defensive intensity. LeBron, at 39, and his teammates ramped up their pressure, disrupting Serbia's rhythm and forcing them out of their comfort zone. Kevin Durant highlighted the team's strategic shift, noting that they increased their defensive switches to maintain pressure on Serbian players, including the formidable Nikola Jokić. Although the Americans struggled with rebounding, they managed to make crucial defensive plays, including a pivotal steal by Curry that led to a fast-break basket, narrowing the score to 91-86 with just under two minutes remaining. Durant expressed the pride he feels in representing the U.S. on the international stage, emphasizing the unifying power of the Olympics amidst the country's divisions. The final moments of the game were marked by a fierce determination from the American team, who relied on their competitive spirit to keep their hopes alive for defending their gold medal from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. As the game concluded, it was clear that the U.S. team had not only showcased their offensive prowess but also demonstrated a newfound defensive tenacity, setting the stage for a promising continuation of their Olympic journey.