Joel Embiid enjoying the Team USA ride with LeBron James and Stephen Curry: 'I'm having the time of my life.'
There is a belief that FIBA basketball is much more physical than the NBA, with referees allowing a lot more contact, which forces players to adjust their style to be successful.
In the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA members Bobby Portis and Tyrese Haliburton emphasized this point: "The game is just so much more physical."
However, for 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, FIBA's physicality is no different from the NBA's.
"It's the same," he told the media after Team USA beat Serbia 105-79 on Wednesday.
In that game, Embiid faced off against reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, finishing with 8 points, a team-best 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. When asked about the duel with Jokic, Embiid responded:
"This was the US against Serbia, so I'm happy we got the win. Still, a lot of stuff to work on, but it was a good start," he noted.
The Philadelphia 76ers star also commented on playing alongside NBA greats LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the Team USA starting lineup.
"It's new. We are still working on the chemistry and reading each other. I think some of the turnovers that we've had, most of them have been from miscommunication," Embiid said of starting with Curry and James. "But it's good. I'm having the time of my life. I don't have to do anything. I'm happy just chilling. Just hanging out doing the little things and just playing together and winning."
Team USA best moments vs. Serbia:
Full game highlights:
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