The USA showed no weakness in their quarter-final against Brazil and claimed a commanding 122:87 victory. The victory was never in danger against the overtaxed South Americans
The USA were only challenged to a limited extent in their fourth game at this Olympic Games, but Steve Kerr’s team was particularly strong in offense. Led by an outstanding LeBron James (12, 5/6 FG, 9 assists, 3 steals in 16 minutes), the Americans shot 58% from the field and 48% (15/31) from the three-point line.
In addition to James, top scorer Devin Booker (18 points, 5/7 threes), Joel Embiid (14 points in 12 minutes) and Anthony Davis (13, 8 rebounds) also impressed. Bruno Caboclo (30, 13/20 FG) was the top scorer for Brazil, otherwise only Georginho de Paula (15) scored in double figures.
The USA only suffered a slight lull in the second quarter. The USA went more than four minutes without a field goal and Brazil reduced the deficit to eight points with a 13:2 run, but a three-point foul on Stephen Curry and a three-pointer by Embiid immediately took the wind out of the comeback’s sails again.
Brazil without a chance against the USA
The gold favorites quickly got down to business, with LeBron in particular fully focused and controlling the game at will. The first four threes were hit (two each by Embiid and Booker), the USA quickly got into their rhythm and, with the small exception of the second quarter, kept it up. With the exception of Kevin Durant, every player had a field goal in the box score at the break, plus 19 assists on 23 throws and a 63:36 lead at the break.
After that, the gold favorites took their foot off the gas a little, but there were still highlights such as a spectacular putback dunk by Anthony Davis. James, on the other hand, received an unintentional elbow strike to the head and did not return. It wasn’t necessary, as the USA cracked the 100-point mark without him after just two minutes in the fourth quarter.
In the semi-finals, the USA will now face Serbia, with whom they have already competed in the group stage. There, the USA prevailed with a commanding 110:84 victory
