Stephen Curry found his rhythm on Wednesday afternoon. That can only mean good things for Team USA's 5v5 Olympic basketball side.
The Warriors star caught fire behind the arc, sinking six triples as Team USA vanquished Serbia and its star, reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
It was a performance Steve Kerr's squad desperately needed. Curry impressed in the U.S.'s first exhibition contest, dropping 12 points, three assists, and two rebounds as the Stars and Stripes outlasted Canada, 86-72.
Their second clash of the exhibition cycle, a duel with Australia in Abu Dhabi, proved a more challenging affair. Facing the likes of Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey and Josh Green, Curry toiled, hitting just one of his six three-point attempts en route to a three-point outing.
Curry's struggles were reflected in the game's final box score, too. The Boomers, despite falling behind by as many as 16 points, made a furious rally in the game's final moments and appeared on the precipice of potentially contending for the lead. If not for two timely Tyrese Haliburton threes, perhaps things could have been different.
All of that is to say, Curry's exploits were much appreciated by Team USA's brass. The prospect of a locked-and-loaded Curry being unleashed on defenses more concerned with the wing and interior excellence littered around the U.S's roster is an appealing image to those of a red, white, and blue disposition. He certainly showed flashes of his advanced skillset on Wednesday, frolicking around the perimeter before lining shots up with impressive precision.
Splash indeed...
MORE: USA-Serbia live analysis
Stephen Curry stats today
Curry ended Wednesday's contest with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting (6-of-9 from three). He embraced his role as not only a shooting sensation but also a passing savant.
Curry's point total was spotlighted by a number of eye-catching plays. He opened the day hot, breaking the 0-0 deadlock with a long-distance effort after finding space via Joel Embiid screen.
He continued his torrid play as the first half wore on, again using an Embiid pick to his advantage to rattle home another three.
As the show went on, it became increasingly more evident that the Serbs were unable to dissuade Curry from launching arrows into the billowy net. Even illicit contact couldn't hold the Dubs supernova back.
In the end, Curry recorded 24 points, a team-high total for the day and exhibitions up to this point. Most took on a similar disposition to those of his earlier attempts.
When Curry is invigorated, it's hard for Team USA to be stopped. Judging by their 26-point win over Serbia, they, too, appreciate an aggressive and active Curry, one whose accolades stand with any other guard in the entire league.