It was delayed by you know what, but the 2020 Olympics were finally played. Now may not be the best time for these games but the organizers had other thoughts. In the end, fans got to see their fellow countrymen play. The Olympic games are always played at different venues around the globe. This means that players will be playing ball in a foreign land and will have a hard time speaking the local language. So all they have to do is let their game do the talking.
Jordan Nwora, Nigeria
Team Nigeria wasted the 33-point effort of Nwora in their game against Germany. Nwora was amazing and added seven three-pointers. He was probably inspired after winning the NBA Finals. He was part of the Milwaukee Bucks team that just beat the Phoenix Suns for the championship. Maybe his performance could mean more playing time in the NBA next season.
Evan Fournier, France
When France beat Team USA in their first game of the tournament, it was Fournier who led the team with 28 points. His game was so impressive that it made Damian Lillard suggest that international NBA players play better when they’re playing for their country. “Bragging Rights” temporarily belonged to Fournier who beat his ex-Boston Celtic teammate Jayson Tatum in that game. Fournier was recently acquired by the New York Knicks.
Luka Doncic, Slovenia
Doncic scored 48 points in his first Olympic game. 31 of those points came in the first half. He could have scored more but Slovenia had a huge lead which allowed Doncic to relax a little in the second half. He also chipped in 11 rebounds, six three-pointers, and three blocks. Doncic is only 22-years old so scoring more than 48 points could happen in the future. Team Slovenia could be favorites as long as Doncic plays for them.
Ricky Rubio, Spain
Rubio contributed almost half of Team Spain’s total points in that game against Team USA. Rubio scored 38 points in less than 28 minutes. This stands out because he’s usually a “pass-first and score-later” type of player. Rubio was the only one who showed up in this game for Spain. The Cleveland Cavaliers recently acquired Rubio so fans over there have something to be excited about.
Kevin Durant, USA
Coach Gregg Popovich made it clear to everyone that he would have begged to get Durant to play for Team USA and now we know why. Basketball talent really improved worldwide and there were a few games where Team USA could have easily lost if Durant wasn’t there. He was the team’s scoring leader after the group phase and his teammates knew they had a chance as long as they made it to the knock-out stage.
The Olympics are done. Team USA won the gold, as expected. Up next for basketball fans will be the ongoing NBA free agency and the summer league games in Las Vegas. After that, fans won’t have to wait that long for training camp, preseason games, and the start of the 2021-2022 NBA season.
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