Team USA survives against Serbia. Serbia pushed them. Serbia shot “lights out” for most of the game. They were playing for national pride while Team USA was not. Until, it was time for them to play for National pride (and to avoid embarassment.) It “sets the table” for the Gold Medal match against France. France will also be playing for National pride. They have length and can exploit the weaknesses of the team.
Serbia won the game by losing
Look at the box score here on the NBA.com, USA basketball page. Serbia had 7 offensive rebounds to the US 4. Look at this opinion article here on USA Today from Dan Wolken. Team USA had 10 turnovers in the game. The defense for Team USA picked up a lot in the fourth quarter and the shots started to fall. They outscored Serbia 21-8 at the start of the fourth quarter to tie it at 84.
Steph Curry, Lebron and Kevin Durant keyed the comeback. The younger players did not. This article here on the site Hardwoodhoudini.com talks about Steve Kerr‘s coaching decisions as a big problem. I said in my article here on our site that Germany was the threat to Team USA. Its France, not Germany.
Team USA doesn’t need ball dominant athletes
The Detroit Free press has this article here on their site at the start of the Olympic tournament explaining the difference between FIBA and NBA rules. The FIBA rules limit iso-heavy, ball-dominant athletes and allow for more team play. Givemesport.com has a great article here that highlights NBA role players like Dennis Schroder, Patty Mills, Rui Hachimura and others play fantastic on the International Stage.
As the kid who got picked last on the basketball team, I like the part in the article that says that iso-heavy strategy on AAU teams are a problem. Basketball is a beautiful sport when all five players are sharing the ball and not depending on one guy. France will give Team USA another test. It isn’t about “the matchups.” It’s about the style of play. Defense will get them the gold.
