Edwards Leads USA Men In Scoring
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Samori Benjamin
Twenty years ago, in the opening game of the Olympics the United States Men’s Basketball team was embarrassed by Puerto Rico in a 92-73 loss. That marked the first time USA Basketball lost an Olympic game with NBA players. Puerto Rico had not qualified for the Olympics since those 2004 Olympics. This past Saturday in Paris the United States had the rematch 20 years later. After one quarter of play Puerto Rico held a 29-26 lead. With 5:45 remaining in the second quarter Puerto Rico led 37-36. On the next possession Anthony Edwards scored a basket off a pass from Lebron James to put the United States up 38-37. They would not trail again. Edwards came off the bench to score a game high 26 points in 17 minutes.
Queens native Jose Alvarado, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, led Puerto Rico with 18 points. Alvarado is the only NBA player on the Puerto Rico roster. The United States has now reached the quarterfinal round where they will play Brazil on Tuesday. If they win that game, they will have a matchup against reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia. The two teams met in the opening game of the Olympics with Kevin Durant and LeBron James combining for 44 points in the 110-84 win.
Recent Comments