Team USA secured a convincing victory over Serbia for the second time this summer, with Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo showcasing why he was selected for Team USA through his team-first mentality. In their opening game of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA triumphed over Serbia 110-84.
Adebayo did not need to score much in this game, as LeBron James and Kevin Durant combined for 44 points on highly efficient shooting. Bam contributed only four points in his 20 minutes on the floor.
Instead, Adebayo made his mark with his playmaking. Despite recording just two assists, he made a significant impact by making smart plays and distributing the ball to the hot hand. He even displayed his versatility by occasionally bringing the ball up the court. This unselfish style of play, which has helped lead Miami to two NBA Finals, has seamlessly translated to his role with Team USA.
Defensively, Adebayo was crucial. With Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis dealing with illnesses and foul trouble, Bam stepped in to play additional minutes at center, where he defended Serbian superstar and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Adebayo led the team’s bigs in minutes played.
Team USA’s next group game is against South Sudan on July 31. The previous exhibition between the two teams came down to a few key plays. Adebayo and Team USA will need to remain focused to ensure another victory
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