The greatest individual Miami Heat performances in Team USA History
By Azam Masood
8. LeBron James, 2012
The Game: 2012 Olympics in London. Gold medal game vs Spain. Team USA wins 107-100
The Player & The Line: LeBron James, 19 points (8-13 FG, 1-3 3FG, 2-2 FT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
The Context: USA would again face a formidable Spain club in challenging for Olympic gold and had their hands full with the Gasols (41 points combined). The Spaniards would get within six points with 2:00 left to play despite 30 points from Kevin Durant, but LeBron would sink a red, white, and blue dagger from beyond the arc to effectively end the match and send USA home with their second straight gold medal.
9. Bam Adebayo, 2021
The Game: 2020 (played in 2021) Olympics in Tokyo. Opening match vs France. Team USA loses 76-83
The Player & The Line: Bam Adebayo, 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
The Context: On a team loaded with perimeter scoring talent such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum, Adebayo was expected to fill more of a screen-and-roll role while anchoring the backline, not totally unlike his first few seasons in the NBA. Unfortunately, while Bam was able to put up a double-double in his international debut, the Americans were stifled by France, unable to make anything from the outside.
Bam was the only USA player who managed to shoot over 50% from the field (Draymond Green was 1-1 from the field) in this game. Thankfully, the Americans would win their remaining five games and get their revenge on France in the gold medal game.
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