Team USA scored their first win in the 2024 Paris Olympics in grand fashion, as they demolished the Nikola Jokic-led Serbia on Sunday to the tune of a 110-84 score. For what it’s worth. Jokic won an individual battle against Joel Embiid, as the two big men had completely different outings.
While Jokic put up solid numbers for Serbia, Embiid was barely felt in the game.
Center battle today:
Embiid — Jokic —
4 PTS 20 PTS
2 REB 8 AST
2-5 FG 4 STL pic.twitter.com/GuOgFAfz1p— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 28, 2024
Fans make fun of Joel Embiid despite Team USA win vs. Nikola Jokic, Serbia
When StatMuse juxtaposed the numbers of Embiid and Jokic, many fans used it as an opportunity to mock the Philadelphia 76ers star big man.
“Jokic owns that flopper”
Jokic owns that flopper
— antintheleauge (@antintheleauge) July 28, 2024
“Debate has been over for a while. Idk why people are still arguing. Lol”
Debate has been over for a while. Idk why people are still arguing. Lol
— Kadidy (@LordKadidy) July 28, 2024
“Could’ve been 4 time mvp 😭”
Could've been 4 time mvp 😭
— sports.talk (@barsstoolcfb) July 28, 2024
“Embiid without the nba whistle”
Embiid without the nba whistle pic.twitter.com/VECBKSmWRl
— cory donley (@cdwild27) July 28, 2024
“Even Tatum had a better performance than Embiid”
Even Tatum had a better performance than Embiid
— AnDre (@mailadrez) July 28, 2024
— The Lakers Daddy 🏀 (@NugsGetBuckets) July 28, 2024
What these fans (and StatMuse’s post) failed to mention is that Embiid played only 11 minutes while Jokic was on the floor for 31 minutes.
Plus, Team USA are loaded with elite talent, so Embiid did not really have to produce a lot. Instead, the pair of LeBron James and Kevin Durant did most of the heavy lifting for Team USA, as they scored 21 and 23 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Serbians relied on Jokic a lot as a focal point of their offense. In fact, Serbia and the United States were 81-81 in the game when Jokic was on the floor. When he was on the bench, the Americans outscored the European powerhouse, 29-3.
For More Team USA, NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us at @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of the NBA – especially with all the NBA trade rumors swirling around and NBA free agency news – college basketball, and also the WNBA, click here!
