Basketball at the Olympics has always produced some of the greatest spectacles over the course of the years, with the United States the main attraction as they put together some of the finest players in the world and crush their opposition into pulp time and time again.

They have, perhaps understandably, been involved in the game with the most points scored ever in Olympic history. Here’s a look at what went on:

USA – SERBIA OLYMPIC BASKETBALL: LIVE

USA 156–73 Nigeria (2012)

A total of 229 points is the record for the highest-scoring game in men’s Olympic basketball history, and it came at the 2012 Olympic Games, which was held in London, England. On that night, it was Carmelo Anthony who led the US with a whopping 37 points scored, while Ike Diogu’s 27 was top of the pops for Nigeria.

Players such as Russel Westbrook, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant all featured for the US on that night, as well as King James.

Japan 62–128 Brazil (2004)

As for the women’s game, that record goes to the famous tie between Japan and Brazil back in 2004, which finished with a total of 190 points.

Held in Athens, the Asian side didn’t make it out of the group whereas the Brazilians went all the way to the semis, eventually losing in the bronze medal game against Russia.

Follow the USA’s basketball campaign in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Paul Rudder, who is on hand to take you through the action as it unfolds against a tough Serbia side, led by the NBA’s Nikola Jokic.