LAS VEGAS — Team USA, led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, defeated Canada 86-72, as both teams matched up in a preliminary exhibition game ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This was a highly anticipated matchup between the two North American squads, as both lineups include some of the greatest basketball players in the world, who took the floor at the T-Mobile Arena Wednesday night.
In regards to the talent that was on display, Team USA went with a starting lineup that featured LeBron, Steph, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, and Jrue Holiday.
The Canadians got out to an 11-1 run to start the game, but the U.S. came back, as they did not want their rival 'up north' to take victory on their home soil. Even if it was just a glorified scrimmage, the teams didn't treat it as such, playing hard defensively from start to finish.
LeBron James x Stephen Curry on Team USA.
Two all-time greats; Olympic teammates for the first time ever! 👑🧑🍳
Appreciate greatness as it happens! pic.twitter.com/016lAwwt5D
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 10, 2024
The moment of the game happened in the middle of the third quarter, when LeBron, 39, passed the ball to Curry, 36, on a fast break, which set up an iconic 'give-and-go' lob finish from the Akron, Ohio duo.
I don’t think some people understand how legendary of a moment this alley oop from Steph Curry to LeBron James was pic.twitter.com/TVDEGhx7Ti
— Grace (@gracesporttakes) July 11, 2024
LeBron posted the viral video clip/photo of Curry throwing him an alley-oop on his Instagram, putting the chef (Curry) emoji and king (James) emoji side by side.
LeBron James on Instagram about playing with Stephen Curry:
“👨🍳 X 🤴IS WHAT YALL BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING FOR! Well we’re here now! LET’S GET IT! Summer time VIBEZ!! 🇺🇸”
Imagine these two teamed up in the NBA?! pic.twitter.com/LIKtQJzzFS
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 11, 2024
"IS WHAT YALL BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING FOR!" LeBron wrote in the caption. "Well we're here now! LET'S GET IT! Summer time VIBEZ!!"
Someone had to do it ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Steph to LeBron Team USA lob x Father Stretch My Hands Part 1 pic.twitter.com/rmdJyu2yDX
— Oluwajomiloju (@JomiAdeniran) July 11, 2024
Curry also posted the captured moment on his Instagram page as well.
"Basketball in July! Gotta love it... the lob to @kingjames a little better from this view," said Curry who is used to going against LeBron, rather than assisting him. "Let's get it! Off to Abu Dhabi."
What was better?
Stephen Curry to LeBron James lob finish or Curry postgame celebration of the play?
Team USA tops Canada, 86-72, in exhibition in Vegas. #TeamUSA #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/S9tZRd5Wu6
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 11, 2024
Team USA's next exhibition game will be played in Dubai on July 20 at 12 pm ET, as the Americans will take on Team Australia. The upcoming schedule includes the following matchups: vs. Serbia (July 17), vs. South Sudan (July 20), and vs. Germany (July 22).
Related: 17-Year-Old Cooper Flagg Stole The Show During Team USA Scrimmage
