Team USA completed a dominant 3-0 run through the group stage of the 2024 Olympics, closing with a commanding 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico. The outcome was more decisive than the final score suggests.
While Joel Embiid entertained the crowd in Lille, France, the highlight of the game was the impressive performance of Anthony Edwards.
Edwards’ standout play included a spectacular windmill dunk in transition, but his rise has been evident for months. His ascent began long before his 26-point, 11-of-15 shooting display against Puerto Rico and even before emerging as Team USA’s top scorer in the group stage.
Over the past season, Edwards has averaged 25.9 points and 5.1 assists, excelling particularly in the playoffs. He swept Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns, eliminated the Denver Nuggets, and posted averages of 27.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 40 percent shooting from three-point range.
Amid discussions about his potential as the next “face of the NBA,” Edwards joined an American team featuring Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry. Despite being surrounded by legendary talent, Edwards maintained his confidence.
“I’m still the No. 1 option,” Edwards told reporters during the team’s training camp in Las Vegas. A month later, he is proving his point, leading the team with an average of 16.7 points per game, surpassing Durant (16.0) and LeBron (14.3).
At just 23 years old, Edwards is showing remarkable confidence, positioning himself as a potential leader of one of the greatest basketball teams assembled. Among Hall of Famers and top-tier NBA talent, Edwards is aiming to emerge as the face of Team USA.
LeBron, Durant, and Curry are all set for the Hall of Fame, while Embiid, a former MVP, and players like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker are among the league’s elite. Yet, it’s Edwards who appears poised to finish the Olympics as Team USA’s standout player with his relentless drive and confidence.
Fans and media have long speculated about the league’s future leaders post-LeBron, Curry, and Durant. While multi-time MVPs like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been discussed, American media influence often shifts the focus. Tatum, despite his success, lacks the individual dominance of past legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Edwards, with his exceptional moments and confident approach, seems uniquely prepared for this responsibility. Although his game still has room for growth, particularly in shot selection, playmaking, and consistency, his drive to dominate on every possession sets him apart.