All Team USA needed was one quarter to warm up.
When it did wax hot, the fancied Americans could not be stopped on the way to a one-sided 104-83 win over Puerto Rico in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 men’s basketball on Sunday, August 4 (Philippine time).
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After a lethargic start, USA got its bearings and gave Puerto Rico a dose of reality with a 39-16 second quarter outburst.
As expected, the American quintet preserved an immaculate 3-0 record in Group C heading into the quarterfinals while keeping their also-ran foe winless in three tries.
Anthony Edwards dazzled with 26 big points, including an emphatic windmill dunk on a breakaway with 8:57 left in the game that gave Team USA a commanding 89-62 advantage.
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The Americans, who went up by as many as 31 points, were never in any danger of blowing that lead.
Amid the resounding boos at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium whenever he gets the ball, Joel Embiid finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks for Team USA.
Kevin Durant fired 11 points on three triples. Jayson Tatum shone with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while LeBron James displayed an all-around game of 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Anthony Davis added 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.
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While it was a breeze towards the end, Team USA struggled in the early goings.
Behind Jose Alvarado, Puerto Rico raced off to a 12-6 start and wrapped up the opening period with a 29-25 advantage.
It all changed in the second quarter.
Edwards and Durant instigated a 9-2 tear to restore order, 34-31, and USA never looked back.
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Alvarado paced the South American team with 18 points and three assists.
Ismael Romero had 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Aleem Ford added 10 markers, five boards, two assists and two steals.
