The GOAT Continues to Shine: LeBron James at the Olympics

Thirty-nine-year-old LeBron James continues to dazzle. Today he helped lead the United States to a 110-84 victory over Serbia. Playing only 27 minutes, he almost achieved a triple-double, as he scored 21 points (on 9-13 shooting), captured 8 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists. NBC Sports declared that James delivered “a vintage performance” and was “an absolute freight train with the ball in his hands.” James, the first men’s basketball player to carry the U.S. flag at the Olympic games opening ceremony, played very impressively, further strengthening the case for considering him the GOAT of men’s basketball.

During the exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, James was spectacular. He took control of the United States’ contests against both South Sudan and Germany. Preventing a huge upset, James led Team USA to a 101-100 victory over Sudan. The King scored 23 points, including the game-winning shot with eight seconds remaining. James sparked the American comeback from a sixteen-point deficit the comeback by firing up his teammates and delivering statement dunks.

Two days later, the largest crowd ever to watch a basketball game in London saw James lead the U.S. to a 92-88 triumph over Germany. His steals, rebounds, “brute force,” and 20 points, 8 of them crucial ones during the fourth quarter, propelled the U.S. to victory. “Just putting the team on his shoulders,” his Olympic teammate guard Jrue Holiday declared. “Being LeBron James.” In the two games combined, James went 7-7 from the field in the fourth quarter.

Expect even more heroics from James as he seeks to help Team USA capture the gold medal and win his third Olympic gold.