After five minutes of play, the Mall of Asia Arena audience could not believe their eyes. USA were trailing 14-4 by New Zealand and teammatesAnthony Edwards were already four stray bullets with an awful 2 of 9 on shots. The back of the Wolves was the worst of them with already three stray balls, including a walk on the first action!
“Personally, the ball was just slipping out of my hands, and I don’t know why” smiles Anthony Edwardswho explains that he may have put “too much lotion” on his hands before starting the game. “The first match is an opportunity to let off steam. To get used to the terrain. To get used to the ball. We found the solution in the second half, and it should be fine now”.
From the second quarter, Anthony Edwards corrected the situation with 8 of his 14 points to allow the Americans to reach the break with a nine-point lead (45-36).
“I wasn’t really worried about this sluggish start. I was trying to find a way to do more. It didn’t really matter to me. As long as we’re winning, I don’t really care.”
For Steve Kerr, this failed start to the match is a blessing in disguise, and he appreciated the reaction of his players, who ultimately won 99-72 over the Kiwis.
“It was a very good experience for us,” assures the coach of Team USA. “The New Zealanders have been very good. They were very physical right away, then they got the better of us, and we have to realize that because that’s how these matches are going to go. But I liked the way we reacted and we feel that over 40 minutes we can wear down the teams. »
