USA Handle Serbia to Secure Second USA Basketball Showcase Abu Dhabi Win

17 July 2024

USA 105, Serbia 79

View the USA-Serbia box score here.

Behind a 105-point outburst, the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team defeated Serbia (105-79) to close the Abu Dhabi portion of the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase on Wednesday.

The U.S. Men’s National Team now hold a 37-3 record in exhibition games leading into Olympic competition.

Experience Abu Dhabi: The USA has drawn a trio of record crowds in their three 2024 USA Basketball Showcase games. The United States hosted 12,517 fans tonight (July 17) after a showing of 12,217 people on Monday (July 15). The games consecutively marked the largest groups to watch basketball games in Abu Dhabi/Etihad Arena. The attendance of the USA-Canada contest on July 10 in Las Vegas was 20,757, which also hit a venue basketball record for T-Mobile Arena.

Showcase Stats: The USA move to 67-4 in men’s senior exhibitions. In 2004, the U.S. beat Serbia & Montenegro 78-60 as part of their pre-Olympic exhibition tour. The nations will tip off July 28 to open Group C play in Paris.

Starting Out: For the third straight game, Coach Steve Kerr adjusted his starting lineup, tonight employing Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Curry, James and Embiid have started all three games.

What Once Was Close: The game was tied at 40 with 4:53 to play in the 2nd quarter before Curry hit an and-1 3-pointer on the ensuing possession. From there, the United States closed the quarter with 14-5 advantage to take a 59-45 lead into the locker room. The Americans led by as many as 31 in the second half.

Unstoppable Steph: Curry scored the USA’s first 9 points, hitting a trio of field goals, including a pair of 3s, and 1 free throw in the first 2 minutes of game time. By halftime, Curry had tallied 18 points (6-9 FG, 4-6 3FG, 2-2 FT). He contributed 24 for the game to lead all scorers.

Bing, Bang, Bam: Bam Adebayo, who has made 23 3-pointers in his NBA career (15 in 2023-24), made 3 (3-5 3FG) from deep tonight en route to 17 points and 8 rebounds in 19 minutes.

Edwards Elite: Anthony Edwards has been one of the USA’s most consistent offensive contributors through 3 games. With 16 points tonight, he averages 14.3 points (43 total points in 3 games) on 51.6% shooting (16-31 FG, 6-12 3FG).

Swat City: Davis has been a problem for opponents in the interior. Tonight, he recorded all 6 blocks in the game to go with 6 rebounds and 7 points in 16 minutes. The big man has multiple blocks in each exhibition game so far with 4 against Canada and 2 against the Australians.

Welcome D-White: Derrick White, who was named to the USA roster on July 10, made his 2024 USA Basketball Showcase debut in the 2nd quarter. White saw action for nine minutes and pulled down four rebounds.