Only 36 seconds are left until the game ends, and the victory of the United States against Serbia in the debut of the Dream Team in Olympic basketball is more than guaranteed by the nearly 20-point lead. But LeBron James goes beneath the basket, attempts a dunk, and deposits the ball into the hoop before sliding his enormous body across the floor. The more than 25,000 spectators who came to Pierre Mauroy Stadium, which is usually home to LOSC Lille, go wild. “MVP/MVP/MVP,” chants from the stands for one of the most important athletes of the Paris Olympic Games.
Who can rival the honor for the man born in Ohio 39 years ago? Sitting at the table with the Los Angeles Lakers player could be Rafael Nadal, Simone Biles, Novak Djokovic, and not many more. That’s why those present in the luxurious stadium are enjoying themselves: after all, they are applauding a legend.
The Dream Team’s debut in Paris 2024 was good: they easily defeated Serbia 110-84, one of the candidates for a medal. The performance of the team commanded by Steve Kerr, former teammate of Manu Ginóbili at the San Antonio Spurs and brain of the Golden State Warriors, was flawless as they defended like one should in big games: with heart and mind. It’s a pleasure to watch established stars like LeBron or Kevin Durant battle against rivals as if they were just starting their careers.
Perhaps LeBron and company aim to write the most glorious chapter of U.S. basketball. This team arrived in Paris loaded with comparisons to the Dream Team led by Michael Jordan in Barcelona 1992. That time, besides MJ, the team included David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Chris Mullin, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, and then-collegiate Christian Laettner. In short, 10 members of the Hall of Fame coexisted in one team.
In the next two weeks, we will find out whether this version of the Dream Team measures up to Jordan’s. For now, they began in the best way possible because, it must be reiterated, Serbia and Nikola Jokić, the three-time season MVP and one-time Finals MVP, were not an easy rival. James finished the game with 21 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, while his sidekick, Kevin Durant, recorded 23 points with 5 three-pointers in the same number of attempts. Meanwhile, the one who was a bit lacking was point guard Stephen Curry, who finished with 11 points and a low 3 of 7 from long distance, his specialty.
And if the difference wasn’t even greater, it’s because the Serbian captain is on par with any NBA player. Jokić scored 20 points, with 5 rebounds and 8 assists. The other standout, Bogdan Bogdanović, closed with 14 points and 6 rebounds.