In the early hours of August 7, the Paris Olympic Men’s Basketball quarterfinals featured a climactic match between Team USA and Brazil. In the first quarter, Team USA quickly found their rhythm. Brazil initially took the lead at 4-2 before Embiid nailed a three-pointer. Curry and James followed with scores, enabling Team USA to take the lead at 9-4 and gradually widen the gap. Booker hit a three-pointer as Team USA led 16-6, prompting a timeout by Brazil. Upon resuming play, Booker maintained his excellent shooting form, keeping the lead around ten points. The first quarter ended with Team USA leading 33-21. In the second quarter, Team USA opened with a 7-0 run to lead 40-21. However, Brazil responded with a 5-0 run, forcing Team USA to call a timeout. Brazil then scored another five points in succession, reducing the deficit to 31-40. Thereafter, Team USA began scoring continuously. Curry, James, and Embiid all performed well, and at halftime, Team USA had a 63-36 lead. In the third quarter, both teams engaged in an offensive battle from the start. Booker continued hitting three-pointers, while James contributed both scores and assists. Durant, after initially missing four shots, found his rhythm and made his next three attempts. Davis, Durant, and Brazil’s Caboclo, who scored 15 points in the quarter, were involved in a shootout. After Davis hit a three-pointer, Team USA led 94-67. Caboclo promptly replied with a mid-range shot. The third quarter ended with Team USA leading 94-71. In the fourth quarter, Team USA gradually extended their lead. Adebayo’s three-pointer gave Team USA a 112-78 lead, and after Caboclo scored, Team USA led 112-80, calling a timeout. Team USA started substituting players who had seen less playing time. Edwards hit a three-pointer, extending Team USA’s lead to 117-82. Brazil did not give up, with Caboclo continuing to score. Edwards made another three-pointer, and ultimately, Team USA defeated Brazil 122-87, securing the final spot in the men’s basketball semifinals.
Player Statistics
USA: Booker 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Edwards 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Embiid 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist; Davis 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; James 12 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals; Durant 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal; Holiday 9 points, 3 assists; Adebayo 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Curry 7 points, 1 rebound; White 5 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists; Tatum 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Haliburton 2 points, 1 assist;
Brazil: Caboclo 30 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Paula 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Velitas 9 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists; Dias 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Matheus 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Mendel 7 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals; Santos 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Alves 3 points, 1 rebound; Louzada 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Felicio 1 rebound; Cardoso 2 rebounds, 1 assist;
Starting Lineups
Brazil: Huertas, Mendel, Santos, Neto, Caboclo USA: Curry, Booker, Holiday, James, Embiid
