The US Men’s basketball team is peaking at the right time in the city of lights. They concluded the group stage with an impeccable 3-0 record and an impressive +64 point differential. The Americans capped off pool play with a decisive 21-point victory over Puerto Rico, securing their spot as the No. 1 seed for the single-elimination quarterfinals where they will face Brazil on Tuesday.
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Key Players and Performances:
- Kevin Durant: Durant has been a standout performer off the bench, tallying 48 points in the first three games. He is on the verge of breaking Lisa Leslie’s all-time American Olympic scoring record, needing just five more points to surpass her.
- Anthony Edwards: The young star has been electrifying, highlighted by a windmill dunk during his 26-point performance against Puerto Rico.
- Joel Embiid: Philly big man Joel Embiid had his best Olympic game on Saturday as well, finishing with 15 points and 2 blocks to the symphony of boos from the French crowd (for choosing to play for the US). Embiid struggled in the opener vs Serbia and logged 0 minutes in the South Sudan match. American basketball fans have to be encouraged to see him play well, while having fun with the environment.
Highly Competitive Field
This Olympic field is the most talented field the basketball world has ever seen. For context, the 1992 United States “Dream Team” faced only nine total NBA players in those Olympic matchups. This year, that number is up to 61. Despite head coach Steve Kerr being undefeated in Olympic competition, there is a sense that this will be less of a “USA lock”, as one bad night can end anyone’s run.
Key Contenders:
- France: Led by NBA veteran Rudy Gobert and rising superstar Victor Wembanyama, the host nation is strong. With a 2-1 group stage record, they will face undefeated Canada in the quarterfinals.
- Canada: Powered by the NBA talents of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, the Canadians posted a +20 point differential in the group stage and eliminated Spain with a thrilling three-point victory.
Historical Dominance:
The United States has won gold in seven of the last eight Olympics and remain the favorite to win it all again.
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US Women’s Soccer Team Advances to Semifinals
On the soccer field, the US Women’s National Team continues their quest for gold after surviving a tough quarterfinal match against Japan. Trinity Rodman, daughter of basketball legend Dennis Rodman, scored the game-winning goal in the 106th minute, securing a 1-0 victory.
Group Stage Success:
- Record: The team went 3-0 in the group stage.
- Goals: Outscored opponents 9-2.
- Star Player: Mallory Swanson, who netted three goals during pool play.
After a disappointing early exit in last year’s World Cup, the refreshed US squad, under new head coach Emma Hayes, is determined to claim their first Olympic gold since 2012. They will face Germany, a team they defeated 4-1 in the group stage, in the semifinals on Tuesday.
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