Rio 2016: USA men’s basketball survives tough test vs Serbia

Team USA barely escaped with a win over a spirited Serbia team to remain perfect in the 2016 Rio Olympics men’s basketball competition

USA Basketball getting scared by Australia on Wednesday seemingly should’ve served as a warning shot. If not, the United States men’s basketball team could’ve found themselves in trouble on Friday against Serbia. Apparently they did not learn anything from the Aussies as they indeed found themselves in a bind.

The United States jumped out to an early lead over Serbia and looked to be in firm control. They were ahead by double-digits after the first quarter and even led by as many as 18 points at one time. However, that’s when the movement in the offense seemingly completely dissipated. Every possession saw Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant or someone holding the ball and then looking for their own shot.

Because of that, Nikola Jokic and Serbia began clawing back. The Denver Nuggets center found ways time and again to wear away the US, hurting them from inside and out. Meanwhile, Serbian point guard Milos Teodosic continued to pick apart the vaunted American defense. Before USA Basketball knew what to do, Serbia was in their grill within two possessions.

Jokic was then able to cut it to a one-possession game with some clutch buckets in the final minutes of play. After an empty Kyrie possession and then a missed Paul George shot, Serbia had one final look to tie the game at the buzzer. Despite getting an open look, the attempt missed and USA got the rebound to get the narrow win, 94-91.

Three Stars

Nikola Jokic, Serbia – 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block

Paul George, USA – 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal

Carmelo Anthony, USA – 12 points, three rebounds, three assists

Next Games

Team USA will finish up their preliminary round play on Sunday against France.

Serbia will wind up their action on Sunday also, facing China.