USA Thrashes Brazil 122-87 to Secure Semifinal Spot in Paris Olympic Basketball Tournament

Devin Booker led a balanced front with 18 points, propelling the U.S. to an 122-87 victory over Brazil in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals.

PARIS, France — At one juncture, Brazil seemed hopeful, trailing the U.S. by only eight points midway through the second quarter. However, a blistering 21-2 run by the Americans dashed any such aspirations.

With the win, Team USA remains undefeated and secured its 20th consecutive Olympic medal game berth. Devin Booker shone with 18 points as the Americans crushed Brazil, progressing to face Serbia in Thursday’s semifinals.

The U.S. (4-0) will take on Serbia (3-1) while Germany (4-0) clashes with France (3-1) in the other semifinal. Victors will compete for the gold medal on Saturday night; the losers face off for the bronze that morning.

A concern for Team USA emerged with LeBron James exiting in the third quarter after an elbow from Brazil’s Georginho de Paula struck his left eye. James pressed a towel over his injury and left for the locker room, but by then, the game was decisively in the U.S.’s favor.

By halftime, the 21-2 run transformed an eight-point lead into a commanding 63-36 advantage. Intriguingly, Bruno Caboclo led all scorers with 30 points for Brazil.

Anthony Edwards added 17 points for the U.S., and Joel Embiid, despite the French crowd’s jeers, accrued 14 points and seven rebounds in limited first-half play. Anthony Davis also contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while James ended with 12 points and nine assists.

Kevin Durant scored 11 points, overtaking Lisa Leslie as the U.S. Olympic career scoring leader. Leslie’s record stood at 488 points from four gold-winning appearances. Durant aims for his fourth gold with two wins remaining.

The knockout stage’s smaller arena hosted a star-studded audience despite its size. Retired Olympic star Carmelo Anthony and his son Kiyan sat with Pau Gasol courtside. U.S. women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson joined Snoop Dogg, who has taken on an unofficial ambassadorship for Team USA during these Games.

The crowd received the show they anticipated. James orchestrated the critical end-of-half surge flawlessly.

“Bron just out there throwing dimes,” UConn women’s star Paige Bueckers commented on X, formerly known as Twitter. Indeed, James was perfect from the floor and free-throw line in the first half, with 10 points and eight assists.

James later returned to the bench, receiving a roaring ovation from the Paris crowd, relieved perhaps by his recovery or maybe impressed by the display of sportsmanship.