A 26-point victory, 110 points scored with phenomenal accuracy (62% including 56% from afar), 24 assists… Considering all of these indicators, we could almost forget that the United States did not have a perfect match against the Serbs.
One piece of data stands out a little more in the final stat sheet: the 17 balls lost, compared to 13 for the Serbs. And LeBron James agrees: he and his teammates must ” do better ” in the field.
” We obviously try to make the right choice, (but lose the ball) is never excluded. But we were negligent on some lost balls which cost us more possessions in attack “, recognizes the “King”.
This one could have used the first person. With his six personal turnovers, he was the first wasteful player of the match. With some balls dropped due to excess of arrogance. We think of his penetration of the baseline, in the first period, and his very hazardous transmission towards Devin Booker in the corner, who could not find his balance once he recovered the ball.
Another level of intensity
Or, in the second half, his pass to… none of his teammates, easily recovered by the Serbs.
These 17 balls lost by the Americans generated 25 points for the Serbs. And contributed to the ” complicated start ” Americans, to use Steve Kerr's words, led 10-2 after three minutes.
Team USA coach believes the opposing team had players ” who put a lot of pressure on the ball “. ” It was definitely another level of defensive intensity compared to our five friendlies. We know what to expect. Now we have to focus on taking better care of the ball. “, displays the technician, without mentioning sufficiency therefore.
The issue of turnovers is not new to his team. In five preparation games, the “Avengers” have given up 71 balls in total, or more than 14 per match.
” We will do better on Wednesday “, promises LeBron James speaking about the confrontation with South Sudan.
