In one of the most talented Team USA rosters assembled to this day, several basketball fans were eagerly anticipating Steph Curry‘s debut at the Olympics. After showcasing his premier shotmaking in USA Basketball’s high-profile matchups, Serbia is the team’s first scheduled game in the Group Play.
How is the Warriors star performing against Serbia in their first game of the 2024 Paris Olympics? He logged 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range. His shotmaking looked as efficient as ever. Despite the limited touches, his presence on the court was a critical piece in sustaining the team’s spacing.
When Team USA needed a big shot to steer some momentum their way after a strong first-quarter from Serbia, Steph Curry delivered a tough shot from 3-point range.
However, he had over two fouls in the first half with his second one coming from a transgression he committed towards a three-point shooter at the corner. This resulted in a four-point play.
Steph Curry had a brief collision with one of the Serbian players early in the third quarter but decided to play through it. His minutes were divided in the guard rotation between Suns’ Devin Booker, Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, and Celtics’ Jrue Holiday.
However, the four-time NBA Champion didn’t finish the third quarter as the other guards were used to close the quarter effectively. He was subbed back in the game in the fourth quarter and converted on a perimeter jumper with 5:30 minutes to go. With only seven seconds remaining in the fourth, Curry knocked down a shot from beyond the arc for finishing touches.
It wasn’t an explosive performance from Steph Curry that basketball fans have been accustomed to but remained an integral piece to the team’s 110-84 victory.
Steph Curry talked about the collective mindset of Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics
Despite this year’s Olympics being his first, Steph Curry remains unfazed by the challenge.
That kind of mentality is mirrored by the entire USA Basketball roster as they plan on bringing home the gold medal, as per NBC Sports’ Hank Lee.
“We’re motivated,” Curry said. “We understand they say the gap has closed. There’s a lot of talent, a lot of NBA guys we’re playing against. We know it’s not an easy task but we’re all ready to compete put our egos to the side and bring back the gold. I’m excited for the challenge, we’re motivated to get it done.”
In his last run with Team USA, he put up 10.7 points (40.8% shooting, including 43.8% from beyond the arc), 2.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
With a stacked roster to compete in the Olympics, the pressure is on this team to establish their dominance in the sport once again.