This year's Olympic basketball tournament is showcasing an unparalleled level of talent, headlined by six NBA MVPs who have collectively garnered 13 MVP trophies. Leading this impressive roster is LeBron James, who stands out with his four MVP awards. Not far behind is Nikola Jokic with three MVP trophies, while Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo each boast two. Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid round out the group with one MVP award each.
Dominant Team USA
Team USA has been a powerhouse, scoring over 100 points in each of their three games. LeBron James, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 assists, and Kevin Durant, who is shooting a remarkable 64%, are leading the American squad. The second unit, featuring Derrick White, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant, adds depth to an already formidable team.
Team USA's performance isn't just about scoring. They are fourth in rebounds per game, pulling down an average of 41 boards, and they also excel in offensive rebounds with a 9.3 per game average. However, where they truly dominate is in their collective star power and scoring ability, outmatching their opponents comprehensively.
Germany’s Stout Defense
Germany’s defensive prowess has been noteworthy, allowing no more than 77 points in any game. Dennis Schroder has been a revelation, leading all players with nine assists per game and chipping in 19.7 points. Franz Wagner has also been a key contributor, ranking third in the Olympics with an average of 21.7 points per game, although his 3-point shooting percentage is a mere 21%.
Canada’s Mixed Performance
Team Canada, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, has seen consistent scoring from its stars. Barrett leads the team with 21 points per game, while Gilgeous-Alexander is not far behind, averaging 19 points. Despite their offensive contributions, Canada struggles on the boards and in playmaking, ranking last in rebounding and assists among the remaining teams.
France’s Dual Threat
Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, has been a standout for France, leading the team in points (17), assists (3), and rebounds (10.7) per game. Complementing Wembanyama’s all-around game is Rudy Gobert, who leads the team with 2.7 blocks per game. "Victor Wembanyama is having a great Olympics and leads France in points, assists, and rebounds per game," said Gregory Shamus from Getty Images, highlighting the young star’s comprehensive impact.
Serbia’s Passing Game
Serbia has demonstrated excellent ball movement, averaging 25.7 assists per game, second only to Team USA. Bogdan Bogdanovic has been efficient, averaging 19 points on 54% shooting. However, Serbia has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in defending the 3-point line, as they have allowed 31 3-pointers in two games against Team USA. Additionally, Serbia has struggled with sub-33% 3-point shooting in Paris, which could be a key factor in their further progress.
Australia’s Rebounding Efforts
Australia has shown strong rebounding capabilities, ranking just behind Team USA with an average of 41.3 rebounds per game. Despite their dominance on the glass, the team’s Achilles' heel has been free throw shooting, where they manage just 63.5%. Moreover, Josh Giddey’s playmaking has been somewhat marred by his turnover rate, which stands at 4.3 times per game.
Brazil’s Long-Range Threat
Brazil has excelled in 3-point shooting, leading all teams with an impressive 45% from beyond the arc. Yet, this long-range prowess is counterbalanced by their struggle with turnovers, averaging 17.3 per game. Offensively, Brazil’s output of 80.3 points per game is the second-lowest among the remaining teams, indicating an area that requires improvement.
Greece’s Offensive Woes
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a bright spot for Greece, averaging 27 points on 69% shooting and grabbing 7.7 rebounds per game. However, the team as a whole has faced numerous challenges. Greece struggles with both 3-point shooting (30%) and free throw performance (69%). Additionally, they average the fewest points per game at 77.7 and commit the most fouls, hindering their overall tournament performance. Nick Calathes has managed to secure fourth place in assists per game with 7.3, trying to keep the offense afloat.
As the tournament progresses, the standout performances, both individual and team-wide, continue to captivate basketball fans around the world. Whether it's the scoring might of Team USA or the defensive tenacity of Germany, each game brings its unique narrative, contributing to an unforgettable Olympic basketball spectacle.