The United States had a very hot time. Trailing for almost 38 minutes, Stephen Curry and his teammates turned the tide in the fourth quarter. An epic encounter against a Serbia that played the (almost) perfect game to bring down these American “Avengers”, with skill and defense.
“Serbia were strong throughout the match” admits Steve Kerr. “Every time we started a series, they responded with their own. 3+1s, ball deflections… They played so well tonight! I feel very proud to have participated in such a game. I think it was one of the best games I have ever participated in. They played the perfect game on the other side. They pushed us to play at our best possible level. The players were incredible in the last quarter. I am proud of my team. How proud I was to have participated in this evening.”
For the American coach, it was the density of the American squad that ultimately made the difference.
“Over 40 minutes of play, the sum of our talents is greater. We tired them out. We have the longest bench. All teams have very strong players, but we have more. That's the key.”
Obviously, Steve Kerr salutes the performance (36 points) of Stephen Curry, who was not “just a matter of time” and which still arrived “The day Team USA needed it”The technician also salutes LeBron James, author of a triple-double and who took charge of Nikola Jokic in defense during the last quarter.
“We knew before arriving here that we would have difficulties. These are the Olympic Games, FIBA rules, 40-minute matches. At the end of the match, we can be eliminated. We are not going to go through gently. We have to be able to stay united, and that is what impressed me about this match.” he concludes about his players.
