by The United States men’s basketball team faced Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Tuesday, August 6th. Here’s a summary of the match and some key takeaways:
Team USA dominated Brazil from start to finish, securing a convincing victory to advance to the semifinals. The final score of 122-87 in Team USA’s favor. A one-sided performance for the United States.
First Half Dominance
At halftime, the game was all but over with the USA holding a commanding 63-36 lead over Brazil. Joel Embiid led the team with 14 points and 7 rebounds in the first half, while LeBron James contributed 10 points and 8 assists. The U.S. team’s offensive firepower was on full display, with 11 out of 12 players who saw court time in the first half scoring points.
Key Statistics
- USA shot 57% from the field and 48% on 3-pointers for the game
- Brazil was held to 34% field goal shooting and 29% from beyond the arc
- The U.S. limited Brazil to just 4 offensive rebounds, well below their tournament average of 13 per game
Notable Performances
- Joel Embiid: 14 points, 7 rebounds
- LeBron James: 12 points, 9 assists
- Devin Booker: 18 points 3 rebounds
Path to the Semifinals
With this victory, Team USA advances to face Serbia in the semifinal round. The win maintains their perfect record in the tournament, as they went 3-0 in group play before this quarterfinal matchup. Even though they have beaten Serbia twice, they will need to stay focused to get the job. Coming off their most convincing win in the official Olympic games, I expect Team USA to come out swinging once again.
Looking Ahead
The United States remains the favorite to win the gold medal in men’s basketball. Germany will be going against France in the semifinal, these are two formidable opponents. Germany may have the edge due to experience. But USA’s combination of NBA superstars and rising talents has been pivotal thus far in the Olympics. This dominant performance against Brazil showcases Team USA’s depth, offensive prowess, and defensive capabilities as they continue their quest for Olympic gold in Paris.
