USA Basketball is a perfect 3-0 at the Paris Olympics, defeating Puerto Rico on Saturday. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was the star in this game, leading the way with 26 points.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was reinserted into the starting lineup by head coach Steve Kerr after not playing at all in Team USA's win over South Sudan. Embiid played 23 minutes, scoring 15 points and pulling down three rebounds.
Choosing to play for Team USA instead of France, where he also has citizenship, Embiid has been relentlessly booed by the Paris Olympics fans during this run.
This is something Embiid joked about when speaking with reporters after the game, saying, per Tim Reynolds of AP Sports , "Playing in Philly, they boo their own guys."
Embiid's teammates have his back, including Anthony Edwards, who sent a strong message to the fans booing the 2023 NBA MVP.
"It’s OK. He’s with us. Be mad. We don’t care," Edwards said, per Reynolds. “He chose us over y’all, so it’s all good.”
This was a strong message from Edwards and one that made it clear USA Basketball has Embiid's back amid the hostile treatment from fans. It has been an up-and-down Olympic run for Embiid, who has seen his role and performance fluctuate, but overall, he has been an impactful piece for an undefeated Team USA group.
A perfect 3-0 in the Group Phase, Team USA will look to keep their perfect run alive as they chase gold.
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