Team USA has responded to the adversity of failing to medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup by sending one of its most star-studded rosters to date to the 2024 Summer Olympics. It’s a stunning collection of talent, with NBA MVPs and All-NBA mainstays complemented by some of the best on-ball defenders in the world.
One of the best players on the roster is the only NBAer to have been named to the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams in 2023-24: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis.
Davis has been the defensive anchor for Team USA throughout its recent international appearances. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring proficiency helped pace the team through the USA Basketball Showcase, and he’s generally picked up where he left off at the Olympics.
Undisputedly one of the best players in the world, Davis is gaining early momentum for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award that JJ Redick hopes to help him win in 2024-25.
With three group games and the ambition to win gold, Davis will have ample opportunity to make a statement. He’ll be matched up against teams that are flush with NBA talent, including an early postseason rematch with Nikola Jokic, who’s representing Serbia.
With each passing game, Davis will have a chance to inch closer to yet another legacy-defining achievement in what’s already been a Hall of Fame career.
Anthony Davis’ game-by-game performances at 2024 Paris Olympics
Game 1: Serbia vs. Team USA – Team USA wins 110-84
Team USA got off to spectacular start to the Olympics, overcoming an early push by Serbia to pull away for a 110-84 victory. Kevin Durant and LeBron James were the stars of the show, but Davis’ defense and rebounding were nothing short of essential.
In just over 19 minutes of action, Davis contributed seven points, team-highs of eight rebounds and two offensive boards, one assist, and a steal on 3-of-6 shooting.
Davis pulled down two of Team USA’s six offensive rebounds and helped weather the storm just as Serbia was beginning to create second chances at virtual will. It may not have been his most dominant showing, but it was a shining example of why he’s on the team.
Davis’ mere presence on the court offers a defensive deterrent, while his top-tier rebounding ability fits perfectly at an international event that’s flush with high-level bigs.
Game 2: South Sudan vs. Team USA – Team USA wins 103-86
In a rematch of the best game of the USA Basketball Showcase, Team USA took on a surging South Sudan team on Wednesday, July 31. South Sudan was coming off of its first-ever Olympic victory, a 90-79 win over Puerto Rico.
The rematch occurred mere days after South Sudan shocked the world by nearly upsetting Team USA at the USA Basketball Showcase in a 101-100 thriller.
Davis finally entered the starting lineup during the rematch at the Paris Olympics. He more than justified the selection, scoring eight points and posting team-high marks of seven rebounds, two offensive boards, and two blocks.
Throw in three assists and a steal, as well as efficient 4-of-7 shooting, and Davis helped pace the Americans to a more comfortable margin of victory.
Game 3: Puerto Rico vs. Team USA – Team USA wins 104-83
Team USA closed out group play with a Saturday, August 3 win over Puerto Rico. Davis again played a significant role in the Americans’ success, helping to anchor the defensive interior and overwhelm the opposition on the offensive end of the floor.
Davis finished with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks on 3-of-4 shooting from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 mark at the free throw line.
Throw in an offensive rebound and this was yet another example of Davis stuffing the stat sheet. He did so in just 15 minutes of action, with perhaps the most profound aspect of his success being his continued evolution as a playmaker.
With Davis continuing to perform at a high level, Team USA now enters the knockout stage with a 3-0 record and double-digit margins in each of those victories.
