PARIS — Team USA is facing a challenging situation as it prepares for the Olympics, with both of its top big men dealing with illnesses just before facing a three-time NBA MVP. Joel Embiid missed practice on Saturday due to illness, and coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Anthony Davis had also been sidelined by illness over the past few days, right before their opening game against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Sunday.
Kerr, however, isn’t concerned about any players missing the game, as Davis was able to practice on Saturday.
“I’m confident that everyone will be ready for Sunday,” Kerr said.
It appears that Kevin Durant, who has participated in his third consecutive practice, is expected to play against Serbia after missing Team USA’s five exhibition games due to a calf injury.
“Hopefully he’ll play,” Kerr remarked. “He did well in the scrimmage two days ago, and we have another practice today. We’ll continue to assess him day by day.”
Although Kerr didn’t confirm if Durant would start immediately, it’s likely he will at some point, given his status as Team USA’s all-time leading scorer at the Olympics. Durant’s teammates are clearly excited to have him back on the court.
Kerr didn’t confirm that Durant would start right away, though it’s likely he will eventually, given his status as Team USA’s all-time leading scorer at the Olympics. However, Durant’s teammates are clearly eager to see him play.
“Instant impact,” LeBron James said about Durant on Saturday. “He looked really good in practice the other day. While his conditioning and rhythm will continue to improve, having him back would be a significant boost for our team.”
Jrue Holiday added, “That’s Kevin Durant. What are we even discussing?”
On July 17 in Abu Dhabi, Team USA defeated Serbia decisively with a score of 105-79. The team did a remarkable job defending Jokic, limiting him to an unusual 6-of-19 shooting performance. However, the Serbian team had rested several key players, including star guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, and were playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Americans anticipate a tougher challenge this time. Serbia, which won the silver medal at last year’s World Cup without Jokic, boasts a well-rounded team with great size and experience. Both Jokic and Bogdanovic played in the 2016 Rio Olympics when Team USA defeated Serbia in the gold medal game.
Davis noted, “Jokic’s impact, what he does in the NBA is well-known, but he might be utilized even more in international play.” He added that the matchup will be exciting, despite still feeling a bit under the weather.
In their last preparation game against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece in Belgrade, Serbia showcased their strength with a 20-point victory. Bogdanovic, a standout from the previous World Cup, scored 19 points, while Jokic contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
LeBron James emphasized the intensity of the upcoming competition, saying, “This isn’t like the NBA where it’s a marathon; it’s a sprint. It’s like a Michael Johnson/Usain Bolt-type game. The real competition starts tomorrow, so we need to be prepared, and we will be.”
