Team USA dominated Serbia in a pre-Paris 2024 Olympics blowout, with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking aim at Nikola Jokic in the wake of ‘ego’ accusations that threatened to derail the Stars and Stripes’ pursuit of a gold medal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The United States improved their pre-Olympics tour record to 3-0 in a 105-74 triumph in Abu Dhabi, as LeBron James scored just five points in his first matchup with the ‘Joker’ since the Lakers were swept in the playoffs in April (4-1).

The 31-year-old Davis had a remarkable defensive performance, grabbing six rebounds and blocks in 18 minutes. He even had a pin down the glass at 8 minutes into the fourth quarter, which led to a standing ovation, even though he only had seven points.Steph Curry of the Warriors led the United States in scoring with 18 points in the game. Curry shot 6 for 9 from the field and 4 for 6 from beyond the arc.

An anonymous source close to Team USA disclosed to DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview prior to Wednesday’s game that “the ego that lies within the team, everyone is out for their own and not for the team as a whole.” According to the insider, even though the USA squad has a plethora of NBA star potential, they haven’t looked good and have been exposed. Many overseas teams that have played together for longer are more cohesive and have a good chance of beating the USA team.

On the other hand, Jokic, who is coming off his third Nuggets MVP season, struggled against the US and finished with 8 points on 3-of-10 shooting (including 0-for-2 from outside the arc).

The Heat center finished with 17 points, and Bam Adebayo scored with abandon (both inside and outside the paint), assisting Davis in making life difficult for Jokic. From beyond the arc, Team USA connected on 16 of 36 attempts. In a highlight play, Curry collected a loose ball and released a fast 3-pointer from the left wing, increasing the United States’ lead to 90-63. In response to a lob from Adebayo, James forcefully stamped a right-handed dunk.

After another Curry 3-pointer, the following possession was a spectacular reel of passing and dribbling that culminated in James rushing downhill for a lefty finish and a 31-point advantage.Despite his fervent pleas for his colleagues to tighten their defense, Jokic touched the ball on almost every possession. During the fourth quarter, Jokic was seated with Serbia and the United States, who would play again on July 28 in their first Olympic Pool C match.

As the US defense encircled Jokic and threw more passes, shooting and depth became focal points. Adebayo extended the margin to 81-53 in the third quarter with a 3-pointer from the top of the key.

After a first half in which the United States’ bench outscored the starting lineup 30-29, Team USA took a commanding lead of 59-45 courtesy to their high-energy defense.

Next Saturday in London, the United States will face South Sudan in the second of their two remaining games this month before the start of pool play at the Olympics.