Brian Windhorst describes the demanding situations that United States men’s basketball will face against Brazil. (0:57)
PARIS (AP) — The distractions are in Paris and the tension of the Olympic Games increases as the American team enters this stressful final race. Americans begin their decisive week with a fundamental mantra: stay undeniable and true to your identity.
After playing 3 games in 14 days, Team USAThe U. S. must win 3 in five days, starting Tuesday in the quarterfinals against Brazil (3:30 p. m. ET), to win his fifth direct gold medal.
Over the last month, the Americans have overcome a taste that has led them to an 8-0 record, adding exhibitions. As they made final arrangements Monday, there was a collective mindset of sticking to the plan.
“We know what makes a FIBA win suitable,” U. S. team coach Steve Kerr said, referring to foreign regulations for the Olympics.
“We’re absolutely focused on our defense. . . And then the good looks of our team and the talent, the intensity of our talent, is that from game to game, we have a lot of guys that have the ability to get turnovers. “”.
Take all the research and petty drama out of starting lineups and playing time, and that’s essentially all Team USA does. Kerr has worked to expand lineup combinations that prioritize defense. The United States is not leading any kind of confusing offensive; It’s just about sharing the ball and leaning on whoever is hot.
Three other players (Kevin Durant, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Edwards) have led the U. S. team in scoring in all three games in France. They all come off the bench.
Ten other players average at least seven problems consistent with the game. The 10 average at least six shots per game, with none averaging more than 10. This has led to efficiency: they shoot at 54% as a team.
“That’s how we can overwhelm teams. It’s just that each and every one has to be in a position for every moment,” said Stephen Curry, who struggled to throw the ball at the Olympics (32% overall), but that doesn’t slow the team down.
“I think it’s a challenge because you don’t know from room to quarter, from game to game, who it’s going to be, [but] it’s a fun way to play. You’re convinced to ‘Just win the ball’ game’ and after that, it doesn’t matter what it looks like. “
What it looks like defensively is the United States holding its warring parties to 40% shooting and just 29% from 3-point range. Creates a game-consistent 16 steals and blocks combo.
Kerr has 11 players on the roster averaging 18 to 22 minutes, and he is prioritized for size, relying on 3 centers in his rotation most of the time.
And that’s not going to change. Although the Americans do not have the credit of many of their warring sides in the Olympics when it comes to years of delight with the cores of other countries playing together, everything the coaching staff has done over the last month was determined to come . . with a reliable game plan and must stick to it.
“It’s vital to maintain that identity now that you’re playing with the most productive teams,” Kerr said.
During the preparation of Brazil, which qualified for the quarterfinals thanks to a point difference after betting on the teams with a 1-2 record, the emphasis was on rebounding.
The United States has been outscored by its contested games so far, 124-123, but has allowed a game-consistent 14 offensive rebounds. Brazil averages thirteen offensive rebounds consistent with the game, and Kerr said he expects the team to try to “kill” the Americans on the boards.
But even if this is a priority, there are no plans to radically change the game plan.
“Going forward, we’re going to continue to be the most important thing,” Adebayo said, referencing a well-known saying from his Miami Heat. “We can make the game easy for us because we have a lot of talent. Everyone has the right mindset. “