The Olympic basketball tournament this year is a showcase of elite talent, headlined by six NBA MVPs who collectively hold 13 trophies. The tournament's star-studded lineup includes LeBron James, who leads with four MVP awards, and Nikola Jokic, who boasts three. Other MVPs in the mix include Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo with two each, and Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid with one apiece.
USA's High-Octane Offense
Team USA has been an offensive juggernaut, scoring over 100 points in each of their three games. This explosive performance can be credited in part to their formidable second unit that features Derrick White, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant. LeBron James has been instrumental in pacing the Americans, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 assists per game. Durant, shooting a blistering 64%, has also been pivotal in their success.
Despite their offensive prowess, Team USA has shown room for improvement in other areas. They rank fourth in rebounds per game, averaging 41, and have also averaged 9.3 offensive rebounds per contest. This relative rebounding deficiency suggests a need for greater dominance on the boards as the tournament progresses.
Formidable German Defense and Canadian Stars
Germany has impressed with their stout defense, not conceding more than 77 points in any game. Dennis Schroder leads by example, averaging nine assists and 19.7 points per game, making him a crucial component of the German team's success. Franz Wagner has also shone brightly, averaging 21.7 points per game, which ranks third in the Olympics, although his 3-point shooting stands at a modest 21%.
Team Canada has showcased the scoring talents of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, who lead the team with 19 and 21 points per game, respectively. However, their overall performance has been hindered by weaknesses in rebounding and assists, placing them last among the remaining teams in these categories.
France's Dual Threat: Wembanyama and Gobert
France has been buoyed by the sensational play of Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year. Wembanyama leads the team in points (17), assists (3), and rebounds (10.7) per game. Complementing his efforts, Rudy Gobert has been a defensive anchor, averaging 2.7 blocks per game. France's balanced attack and strong defensive presence make them a team to watch in the knockout rounds.
Serbia's Team Play and Shooting Woes
Serbia has embraced a team-oriented approach, averaging 25.7 assists per game, second only to Team USA. Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a standout performer, averaging 19 points on an impressive 54% shooting. Despite these strengths, Serbia has struggled with their outside shooting, hitting less than 33% of their 3-pointers in Paris. Their defense has also been vulnerable to Team USA’s long-range attack, allowing a total of 31 3-pointers in just two games.
Australia's Rebounding Edge and Offensive Challenges
Australia has established itself as a formidable rebounding team, ranking second with 41.3 rebounds per game. However, their offensive efficiency leaves much to be desired, particularly from the free-throw line, where they shoot just 63.5%. Additionally, Josh Giddey's 4.3 turnovers per game highlight areas requiring improvement to maximize their potential.
Highs and Lows in Brazil and Greece
Brazil leads the Olympics in 3-point shooting at a stellar 45%, but their success from beyond the arc has been countered by their propensity for turnovers, averaging 17.3 per game. Offensively, they have struggled to put up points, managing just 80.3 points per game, the second-lowest among the remaining teams.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a force for Greece, averaging 27 points on an extraordinary 69% shooting, alongside 7.7 rebounds per game. Despite his individual brilliance, Greece has faced significant challenges, including poor 3-point shooting (30%) and subpar free throw performance (69%). These issues contribute to their average of just 77.7 points per game, the lowest in the tournament. Moreover, Greece's tendency to commit the most fouls exacerbates their woes.
As the tournament progresses, the performances of these key players and teams will undoubtedly continue to shape the outcomes in Paris. The blend of seasoned MVPs and emerging talents sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Olympic basketball tournament.