Joel Embiid leads U.S. into Olympic semifinals with trouncing of Brazil

Joel Embiid had the last laugh on Tuesday as the United States defeated Brazil, 122-87, to punch their ticket to the semifinals and a showdown with Serbia. 

The 76ers star has faced criticism over his play during the Olympics thus far, and has been booed by French fans over his decision to play for Team USA in the summer games.

But he silenced some of the haters with a 14-point first half in a seemingly effortless performance by the United States. 

Tuesday’s victory moved Team USA within two wins of its fifth consecutive gold medal and allowed the Americans to showcase their dominance in a game where all 12 players on the roster registered points.

The U.S. shot an impressive 58 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range. 

Brazil had jumped to an early 4-2 lead in the first quarter before the U.S. put up a quick seven points to take control.

They never looked back, despite a brief run in the second quarter, when the Brazilians cut the American lead to eight. 

A 21-2 run by the United States abruptly ended Brazil’s momentum. The U.S. closed out the first half with a 16-0 run, concluding with a no-look alley-oop pass from LeBron James to Jayson Tatum. 

Embiid played a big role in the first half — leading the scoring through the first 20 minutes — and broke out his signature crotch chop to taunt the French fans in the building. 

Kevin Durant, who finished with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, surpassed Lisa Leslie for the all-time scoring record in Team USA Basketball Olympic history with a slam dunk with just over three minutes to play in the third quarter. 

Leslie had 488 points over her four appearances in the Olympics for Team USA and won gold each time. 

Devin Booker had a team-high 18 points and James finished with 12. 

James left the victory late in the third quarter after he was hit in his left eye by the elbow of Brazil’s Georginho de Paula.

He received four stitches and did not return. He is expected to be available for the semifinals.