With Team USA’s win against Brazil in the bag, the squad booked their place in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics 2024 men’s basketball tournament. LeBron James and his teammates put up the highest score of any basketball game of this Summer Olympics. However, they managed to do something in their last two games that was only once done by Michael Jordan and the 1992 Dream Team.
USA Basketball’s official X account published that Team USA 2024 managed to string together two back-to-back games where they assisted each other 30+ times. This is the first time they have managed such a feat ever since Michael Jordan‘s 1992 Dream Team managed to do the same in two of their group games. It is a remarkable achievement, considering this team is looked at by some as being better than the legendary squad.
Team USA used their ability to move around in sets better than the Brazilians to assist each other to victory. It was LeBron James leading the charge with 8 and 9 assists, respectively. More importantly, those nine assists in this game came in just 16 minutes of play. He also scored 12 points and stole the ball three times.
At the 1992 Olympics, the Dream Team had multiple players who could facilitate. That is why Jordan led the team in assists in their first of those two games. In the next game, it was Clyde Drexler‘s turn. It goes to show that they had multiple facilitators in that squad. But in this Paris Olympics 2024, it seems James has turned into the prime facilitator.
LeBron James facilitating Team USA to wins
It seems head coach Steve Kerr primarily uses the all-time leading scorer in NBA history as the prime facilitator. Not because there is a dearth of playmakers on this squad. Instead, James brings a unique mismatch against any team in these Olympics. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar with the ball in his hands has unmatched court vision.
Opponents, knowing this, are constantly on their toes trying to figure out which American is moving to set themselves free for a shot. But when that one or two players move, the defender guarding James is often at a disadvantage, as he is often left one-on-one against the greatest driver of a basketball. This creates a mismatch that can either exploit the shooters moving around on screens. Or James draws the post defender to create open looks for whoever plays the big man minutes.
If all else fails, James just bullies his way to the rim and scores. This was displayed in the game against Brazil; that recipe just needs a few minutes to destroy whatever they tried to build up. Now, the stage is set for the current Team USA to set a new record of three straight games with 30+ assists at this Olympics.
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