Tokyo Olympics 2020: Damian Lillard Fetches Elite Records in Team USA’s Massive Win over Iran
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via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – France v United States – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 25, 2021. Damian Lillard of the United States in action with Guerschon Yabusele of France REUTERS/Brian Snyder
The US national basketball men’s team went off to a disappointing start at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. After a shocking loss to France in the opening game, the famous lineup has finally earned a breathing victory over Iran. Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is the man of the match, having set the tone of the game.
Team USA embarrassingly ended a 25-game Olympic winning streak against France. It was an unexpected start to the games as numerous NBA superstars stepped on the court. From Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, to Jayson Tatum, many more familiar faces are making an appearance for the national team this year. However, an 83-76 loss stamped a dent in USA’s reputation early on.
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – France v United States – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 25, 2021. Kevin Durant of the United States and Damian Lillard of the United States look dejected after the match with teammates REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Damian Lillard believes in raining three-pointers
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With a comeback show on the line, Team USA went on to defeat Iran in their second group matchup. Damian Lillard, the leading scorer knocked down 20 points and 5 assists to grab a 120-66 win this time.
Durant and co. were dominating the show throughout the course of the game. Nonetheless, Lillard was spilling threes from beyond the arc. He dropped seven 3-pointers, only the 4th player in Men’s Team USA Olympic history to do so. Lillard has joined the club of elites alongside Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Klay Thompson.
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Damian Lillard is the 4th player in Men’s United States Basketball history to make 7 3-pointers in an Olympics game, joining Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Klay Thompson.
Anthony has the record for a single game with 10. pic.twitter.com/I53me8O9Gb
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 28, 2021
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Amongst these bigwigs, Carmelo Anthony holds the record of scoring ten 3-pointers in a single Olympic game. Melo posted this achievement back in the 2012 London Olympics against Nigeria in a group-stage matchup. He put up 37 points in that match, dominating his opponents in no time.
Lillard and Team USA have made a scintillating comeback
Blazers point guard Lillard is making his debut appearance in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. And so far, he’s going strong with that. Lillard took up the challenge for Trail Blazers as well during the 2020-21 NBA season. However, Portland departed from the league in the first round of playoffs after losing to the Denver Nuggets.
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Damian Lillard and several phenomenal players have come together for this big event. USA fans are hoping for another gold medal in the country’s cabinet. After a slow start to the Olympic Games, is the American dream still alive?
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