For some NBA fans, the thought of LeBron James representing the United States at the Olympic Games might have been a novelty that was quickly dispelled after Team USA started off slowly in its opening game against Serbia on Sunday evening. But after 12 years away from the Olympic spotlight, James was not about to return to this stage with a losing effort.
James helped power the United States to a dominant win following their slow start, as he finished with 21 points and a game-high nine assists in a 110-84 victory at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. But James, known as one of the fiercest competitors in NBA history, knows that improvement is required if the Americans are to claim gold again.
LeBron shouts out Kevin Durant, promises improvement against South Sudan
Speaking to NBC following Sunday’s 26-point win, James said that everyone on Team USA has to take care of the ball better and avoid turnovers that Nikola Jokic‘s Serbia punished in the first half. The 39-year-old, likely taking part in his final Summer Olympics, wanted to reduce those “careless turnovers,” and he pledged that the US would be better on Wednesday, against South Sudan.
James also had praise for Kevin Durant, who came off the bench to lead all scorers with 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting. For once, James and Durant are teammates — and the King couldn’t be happier.
“To have KD on my side is a treat for sure,” James said of his NBA adversary. “Everything that he does in practice is game speed, so when it translates out here, it’s no surprise.”
James and Durant combined to make all 13 of their shots in the first half as the US mounted its comeback attempt. The Americans led by nine points at halftime and finally gained separation in the second half, outscoring Serbia by 17 points to win handily.
South Sudan — which surprised Puerto Rico with a 90-79 win in their opening game on Sunday afternoon in Paris — nearly upset the United States in an exhibition game earlier this month, and the rematch is sure to be a fascinating matchup that will determine just how much James and company have learned.
