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USA vs Serbia Finals Preview

The U.S. Men’s National Team will tip-off against Serbia for the second time in the Olympic tournament, only this time, the stakes are much higher.

Serbia proved to be one of Team USA’s toughest opponents this summer, pushing the Americans to the final whistle in the fourth game of preliminary play. Bogdan Bogdanovic, whose rights were acquired by the Sacramento Kings on Draft night, had an opportunity to send the game into overtime with a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer, but the shot rimmed out.

Bogdanovic, who has averaged 13 points per game, finished the game against the U.S. with seven points, three assists and one rebound.

Miroslav Raduljica, the 7-foot Serbian center, leads his team in scoring averaging 15.9 points per game on an efficient 62 percent from the field. In his first contest against the U.S., Raduljica scored 18 points before fouling out in the second half.

Kevin Durant leads a balanced scoring attack for Team USA, averaging 17.9 points per contest, while shooting a tournament-leading 62 percent from three-point land. Olympic veteran Carmelo Anthony ranks second in scoring, averaging 12.9 points per game. Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins maintains averages of 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

In the first game against Serbia, the U.S. had six players in double figures, led by Kyrie Irving’s 15 points. Cleveland’s backcourt leader also matched Cousins by dishing out a team-high-tying five assists.

Boogie and Bogdanovic share common ground in the Olympics as both started for their teams in preliminary play, but have since moved to the sixth man role in elimination play.

The pair flourished in their reserve roles in the quarterfinals, with Boogie dropping 15 points against Argentina and Bogdan scoring 18 against Croatia. In the semifinals, Cousins scored just two points in limited minutes against Spain, while Bogdanovic tallied six against Australia.

Team USA has been on fire from three-point range throughout the Olympics, averaging a tournament-leading 37.6 percent while Serbia is fourth, averaging 35.7 percent.

Catch the championship game Sunday beginning at 11:45 a.m. PDT on NBCSN.


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