And one more record for LeBron James ! It's one of the most anecdotal, but on Sunday, LeBron James became the Oldest American basketball player in Olympic history.
At 39, the Team USA winger has overtaken Larry Bird, who was 35 at the 1992 Olympics. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have also overtaken the former Celtics legend.
But watching LeBron James run around in the win over Serbia, it's hard to believe he's 39, or 40 in four months. When he misses a shot, he runs to get the rebound to find a 3-point shooter. When he goes on the fast break, he holds off three Serbians to score.
This is the LeBron James we've always known: powerful, dynamic and enthusiastic. A LeBron James who blackens the sheet with 21 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. But also 6 lost balls.
Cool-headed at the start of the match
“We'll do better for stray bullets” he warns about NBC Sports. “We try to be careful with the ball, and avoid losing those balls that prevent us from having more possessions in attack. We will do better on Wednesday.”
Starting player LeBron James is the creator and driving force behind Team USA's attack. He sets the pace, he lets the ball go, he encourages movement, and this selflessness is contagious. Since the beginning of their preparation, the Americans had not yet offered so much movement, and isolation sequences were rare.
“This is our best game so far” confirms the quadruple MVP. “I think we got tested early in the game, and we held our composure. Then the second unit came in, there was a big change. KD was phenomenal. It’s like he’s never been out, or missed a practice or a game. So it was a good start for us.”
A lump in the stomach like a child
In this convincing victory, the return of Kevin Durant, insolent in his skill and ease, made an impression, and LeBron James said all the good things he thought of his friend.
“His talent is off the charts… In training, he gives as much as he does in a match. You know, I think he gives even more in training, and when the match starts, it's just routine for him.”
Finally, a word about this atmosphere. As the flag bearer of the United States, LeBron James multiplied the gestures of encouragement and celebrations. Wearing the American jersey is so important to him.
“It was awesome. I was there, listening to our national anthem, listening to the fans cheering, and I felt nervous.”he admits. “I had a knot in my stomach, the butterflies came, and it was something different. There were a lot of people, and it was a different atmosphere.”
