The US men’s basketball team is one step closer to Olympic gold.
Team USA defeated Brazil 122-87 in the quarterfinal game on Tuesday, August 6 at Bercy Arena in Paris, led by LeBron James’ 12 points and Devin Booker’s 18.
After the game, James, 39, told reporters, including PEOPLE, “We’ve got to keep helping each other spread the ball and we’re going to be in a great rhythm.”
The Lakers star fell after a Brazilian player elbowed him in the eye and left the court in the locker room. After the game, James said in a media interview that “I’m fine” and that he was looking forward to meeting Serbia in the semi-finals.
“We understand and we see the opportunity. The only game that’s guaranteed is the next one now,” James said when asked if Team USA was nervous about future countries bothering them for the gold medal.
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“That’s the only thing we’re focused on and we’re looking forward to the matchup. Every game is its own test. Regardless of what happened in the first two, it’s about what happens Thursday night,” James said of their semifinal matchup.
LeBron James (C) gestures during practice at Pierre-Mauroy Stadium.
THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty
The men’s basketball team was supported by LeBron’s son, Bronny James, and A’ja Wilson of the US women’s national team, who sat courtside with Snoop Dogg. The beloved rapper and unofficial Team USA mascot wore a head-to-toe patriotic look for the quarterfinals in Paris.
Also in attendance were NBA commissioner Adam Silver, James’ agent Rich Paul and actress Taraji P. Henson.
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Also on Tuesday, France beat Canada with the help of 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama.
Team USA will face Serbia – featuring NBA MVP Nikola Jokic – on Thursday night at 6:00 PM ET.
To find out more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com and check out the live coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympic newsletter, to deliver the biggest stories from the Games straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education