Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

And just as expected, LeBron James and Team USA coasted home against Puerto Rico, keeping the unbeaten streak alive. The 104-83 win meant 6/6 points in Group C to head to the knockout round. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. LeBron James certainly isn’t.

After the game in Lille, LeBron James opened up about his outlook on the current scenario in the medal chase. France, being the home favorite was at the forefront of LeBron James’ scrutiny and, by the looks of it, the 39-year-old doesn’t have too much positive to say about Victor Wembanyama and his cavalry.

“I wasn’t very impressed with their last game. I didn’t think they were ready for the physicality of Germany. Other than that, they were playing some good ball,” LeBron said in a post-game interview. LBJ particularly names Canada and Germany as the teams to look out for in Team USA’s gold conquest. The FIBA world champions, Germany put the hosts on the sword in their Group B match to clinch the top spot. The game finished 85-71 in favor of Germany with FIBA World Cup MVP, Dennis Schroder putting on a clinic along with Franz Wagner. Both of them scored 26 points with Schroder contributing with 9 assists.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Wembanyama had a silent game compared to his previous two. The Spurs rookie only managed to record 14 points while recording a game-high 12 rebounds. This helped him rise in the MVP ladder, taking him to the 6th spot. Canada, as pointed out by LeBron, also boast a 100% win record. Their close 88-85 win against Spain secured their top-place finish in Group A. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was against the star of the show with his 20-point outing.

Despite Jamal Murray’s struggles (5.7 PPG from 33% FG), Canada has enough firepower to come out top, something to consider for Team USA for the potential future matchup. LeBron on the other hand, is still top of the pile after his record-breaking performance. In the Puerto Rico win, LeBron reached another Olympic milestone, taking him above an NBA legend.

Looking at LeBron James’ performance against Puerto Rico

In his 21-year career on the court, LeBron has made making records a force of habit. The final Group C game was no different as the 4-time NBA champion surpassed Manu Ginobili in the all-time assist provider’s list in the Olympics. LeBron dished out 8 assists against Puerto Rico, taking his total tally to 110, leapfrogging the former Spurs ace for the fourth spot. From a scoring point of view, it was not an awe-inspiring performance from King James with only 10 points on the board from 67% shooting. This game was about controlling the tempo of the game, and pulling the strings from the back, which he did masterfully.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With this win and the top seed confirmed, Team USA will take on Brazil on Tuesday in Paris. Brazil’s only win in the tournament came against bottom-seed Japan. With a -7 point differential for the South American side, expectations will be for a comprehensive win for LeBron James and Co. But this is the Olympics and no one lays down a carpet for you. LeBron knows it and hence is already keeping his guard up for the challenges ahead.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

And to absorb more interesting stories, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where the prodigy puts Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr under the pump with loaded NBA questions and more in this video below.