The USA made its first statement in the third warm-up game. The Americans won clearly against co-favorites Serbia 105:79 in Abu Dhabi.
Stephen Curry made six three-pointers against Serbia.
IMAGO/USA TODAY NETWORK
It was the best performance to date for head coach Steve Kerr's side, who had previously had lackluster wins against Canada and Australia and had some lapses in both games. Although Nikola Jokic's side started well, the attacking machine grumbled against the Serbs.
Stephen Curry, who had a small victory against Australia, started a 19:5 run in favor of the Americans (previously 40:40) with a three-pointer in the middle of the second quarter, from which the Serbians beat them. A day earlier, Australia took advantage of being in action and never recovered. The third quarter went to Kerr with 24:13 points, after which there was no doubt about the victory.
Anthony Davis blocked 6 shots
NBA MVP Nikola Jokic also had his share of struggles, especially as Anthony Davis did a good job on defense against the Denver Nuggets superstar. By the end of the second period, “Brav” Jokic had won twice in a row. In the end, Jokic had only 8 points and 7 rebounds, but the center, along with guard Aleksa Avramovic, was still the best man for the “guests”, who were again missing Bogdan Bogdanovic due to injury.
Curry (24 points) was the Americans' best shooter with six three-pointers, while Davis shined with 7 points, 6 rebounds and a whopping 6 blocks. On the other hand, LeBron James was satisfied with only 5 points, but his scoring that evening was not needed. Kevin Durant is unable to play again due to his calf injury.
The U.S. is undefeated and now has two Test matches against South Sudan (July 20) and world champions Germany (July 22) in London before the Olympics. Serbia still have two Tests in Belgrade against Japan and Greece.
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