No offensive explosion of Team USA for his first preparation match against CanadaThe United States of Anthony Edwards (13 points) were thus “content” with winning 86-72.
But Anthony Davis (10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals) focused mainly on defense.
“We will be unbeatable” This is what the Lakers player replied:asked about the fate of his team at the Olympics if it maintains the same defensive intensity as against Canada. “Offensively, we were, to be honest, pretty bad. But it's good because we tried to make the right moves… On the other hand, if we're worried about the attack, it's because we're already in a good position. Tonight, it's on the defensive side that we made the efforts.”
Under the watchful eye of Barack Obama, the United States imposed their physical impact on their neighbors, and in particular on the opposing guards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray and Andrew Nembhard thus combined for 15 points, at a pitiful 5/23 shooting. Behind in particular the presence of Jrue Holiday, starting alongside Stephen Curry.
Jrue Holiday is never on vacation
“He's one of the best defenders in the league – not just on the ball, but off the ball, in assists, in his anticipation.”explains Steve Kerr. “I think one of the keys to the game was the collective pressure our guys put on the ball, and Jrue is obviously the best at that.”
Like Vincent Collet with the French team, Steve Kerr has placed defense at the base of his work in view of the Paris Olympic Games. The attack will come later.
“It's a good first match for us”he said after the meeting. “We are just starting our preparation, with four days of training. You could see that we were rusty offensively from the beginning. We committed a lot of turnovers in the first half, but I liked the defensive intensity and the rebounding work. It was a good first effort on how we want to establish the game going forward.”
And among the rusty players was Joel Embiid, who compiled as many points (5) as fouls…
“We could have been a lot better. We didn't take care of the ball. Defensively, we were pretty good. So that's what we're going to focus on, and offensively, it's going to come.”
