Team USA (DR)

Team USA will soon begin its Olympic Games with a confrontation against Serbia. A tricky match according to Steve Kerr, especially in a tournament that is very different from the NBA. He was quick to warn his players, including the stars.

Despite 5 victories in its preparation, Team USA is not necessarily at its best before starting these Olympic Games.

Kevin Durant is very uncertain to face Serbia in the first match, while the result against South Sudan (success of 1 point) largely disappointed the supporters.

In Paris, more than ever, Steve Kerr’s men have no right to make a mistake.

Steve Kerr warns Team USA

Because in such a competition, every game counts, unlike in the NBA. Not 82 games here, but a group stage, then a format similar to the NCAA tournament, namely that the slightest defeat sends you on vacation.

Kerr understood this well and warned his stars in a press conference: they will have to give their all and from the jump ball.

Steve Kerr : “We’re here now. We’ve got six games to play. We’ve got to get through this group stage, and then it’s like the NCAA tournament.

We need 40 minutes of strength, focus, concentration, and we can’t let teams out-energy us like we did the other night against Germany, or like South Sudan.”

No time to rest for Team USA, which, unlike some warm-up games, must get the ball rolling from the first possession.

The coach’s message has been received, so it’s up to Stephen Curry and company to respond.

Kerr : “You have to play with effort and energy, sequence after sequence. It’s different now. It’s not an 82-game season.

They’re not going to play 125 games total between the preseason, the playoffs and everything else. It’s literally six games.”

Team USA is therefore warned before the start of these Olympic Games: no right to fail for the match and from the first possession. It will be important to set the tone from the start, especially against a trap team like Serbia.